Main Entry: Tao·ism

Pronunciation: \-ˌi-zəm\

Variant(s): also Dao·ism \ˈdau̇-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Tao

Date: 1838

1 : a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the sixth century b.c. that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity
2 : a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means

— Tao·ist \-ist\ adjective or noun

— Tao·is·tic \dau̇-ˈis-tik, tau̇-\ adjective