Theravada

Ther·a·va·da

noun \ˌther-ə-ˈvä-də\

Definition of THERAVADA

: a conservative branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and adhering to the original Pali scriptures alone and to the nontheistic ideal of nirvana for a limited select number — compare mahayana

Origin of THERAVADA

Pali theravāda, literally, doctrine of the elders

First Known Use: 1882

Rhymes with THERAVADA

autostrada, empanada, enchilada, Ensenada, intifada, Kakinada, Torquemada, yada yada