diffusionist

noun

dif·​fu·​sion·​ist di-ˈfyü-zhə-nəst 

: an anthropologist who emphasizes the role of diffusion in the history of culture rather than independent invention or discovery

diffusionism

di-ˈfyü-zhə-ˌni-zəm 

noun

diffusionist adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Until relatively recently the spread of agriculture in Europe, and to some extent the whole world, was pigeon-holed into two maximalist models: cultural or demographic diffusionist. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 May 2011

Word History

Etymology

diffusion + -ist entry 1, after earlier diffusionist, adjective, and diffusionism (probably after German Diffusionismus)

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above