Man·i·chae·an
| \ ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ən
\
\
variants:
or Manichean
or Manichee \
ˈma-nə-ˌkē
\
\
Definition of Manichaean
1
: a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism (see dualism sense 3) originating in Persia in the third century a.d. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism
2
: a believer in religious or philosophical dualism
Other Words from Manichaean
Manichaean
or Manichean adjective
Manichaeanism
or Manicheanism \
ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ə-ˌni-zəm
\ noun
\ noun
Manichaeism
or Manicheism \
ˈma-nə-(ˌ)kē-ˌi-zəm
\ noun
\ noun
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about Manichaean
Dictionary Entries near Manichaean
See More Nearby EntriesStatistics for Manichaean
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Manichaean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Manichaean. Accessed 16 Apr. 2021.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Comments on Manichaean
What made you want to look up Manichaean? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
The Exceptions Quiz III
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share Manichaean
Time Traveler for Manichaean
The first known use of Manichaean was in 1556
See more words from the same year