Main Entry:

sha·man

Pronunciation:

\ˈshä-mən, ˈshā- also shə-ˈmän\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural shamans

Etymology:

ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) šamān

Date:

1698

1: a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events2: one who resembles a shaman ; especially : high priest 3

— sha·man·ic \shə-ˈma-nik, -ˈmä-\ adjective