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- Dictionarytotem/ˈtəʊtəm/
noun
- 1. a natural object or animal that is believed by a particular society to have spiritual significance and that is adopted by it as an emblem.
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The meaning of TOTEM is an object (such as an animal or plant) serving as the emblem of a family or clan and often as a reminder of its ancestry; also : a usually carved or painted representation of such an object.
Social and cultural anthropology. v. t. e. A totem (from Ojibwe: ᑑᑌᒼ or ᑑᑌᒻ doodem) is a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol that serves as an emblem of a group of people, such as a family, clan, lineage, or tribe, such as in the Anishinaabe clan system. [1]
totemism, system of belief in which humans are said to have kinship or a mystical relationship with a spirit-being, such as an animal or plant. The entity, or totem, is thought to interact with a given kin group or an individual and to serve as their emblem or symbol.
TOTEM definition: 1. an object that is respected by a group of people, especially for religious reasons: 2. an…. Learn more.
noun. a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group. an object or natural phenomenon that a family or descendant group considers themselves closely related to.
Totems are pictures — usually on badges or emblems — of animals or plants that represent a group of people, especially an extended family or clan. A totem could be a grizzly bear, oak tree, catfish, or just about any other living thing.
1. a natural object or an animate being, as an animal or bird, assumed as the emblem of a clan, family, or group. 2. a representation of such an object or being serving as the distinctive mark of the clan or group. 3. anything serving as a distinctive, often venerated, emblem or symbol.
Definition of totem noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
An emblem representing a clan or other hereditary social unit, having the form of an animal or other natural object; the animal or natural object itself; a depiction or representation of this animal or object.
A totem is a guardian spirit of a particular unit of kinship or social organization such as a clan or tribe. A totem may be a species of plant, insect, animal, bird, or even a mythical entity.
