- Main Entry:
- tal·is·man

- Pronunciation:
-
\ˈta-ləs-mən, -ləz-\
- Function:
- noun
- Inflected Form(s):
- plural tal·is·mans
- Etymology:
- French talisman or Spanish talismán or Italian talismano; all from Arabic ṭilsam, from Middle Greek telesma, from Greek, consecration, from telein to initiate into the mysteries, complete, from telos end — more at telos
- Date:
- 1638
1
: an object held to act as a charm to avert evil and bring good fortune
2
: something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects
—
tal·is·man·ic
\ˌta-ləs-ˈma-nik, -ləz-\ adjective
—
tal·is·man·i·cal·ly
\-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb