Ther·a·va·da
| \ ˌther-ə-ˈvä-də
\
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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
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“Theravada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Theravada. Accessed 15 Apr. 2021.
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The first known use of Theravada was in 1882
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