polycentrism

[ pol-ee-sen-triz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine that a plurality of independent centers of leadership, power, or ideology may exist within a single political system, especially Communism.
2. the fact of having many centers of authority or importance:

   the polycentrism of American intellectual life.

polycentrism

/ ˌpɒlɪˈsɛntrɪzəm /

noun

1. (formerly) the fact, principle, or advocacy of the existence of more than one guiding or predominant ideological or political centre in a political system, alliance, etc, in the Communist world

Other Words From

• poly·centric adjective
• poly·centrist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of polycentrism¹

First recorded in 1955–60; polycentr(ic) + -ism

Example Sentences

Economists have suggested polycentrism is driven by business agglomeration—the idea that companies are more successful when they are clustered.

From Scientific American

Willy-nilly, Moscow is more committed to "polycentrism," while Peking still demands greater discipline among the Asian Communist parties in its domain.

From Time Magazine Archive

The latest word is "polycentrism," meaning that there can be several headquarters of Communist thought and leadership.

From Time Magazine Archive

NEW IDEA: "POLYCENTRISM" Every time the Communists make a lurch in their line, they create a polysyllabic name for it, to make confusion seem a scientific transition.

From Time Magazine Archive

Polycentrism has a certain slick, seductive air that might fool a few people.

From Time Magazine Archive