zoomorphism

[ zoh-uh-mawr-fiz-uhm ]

noun

1. zoomorphic representation, as in ornament.
2. zoomorphic conception, as of a deity.

zoomorphism

/ ˌzəʊəˈmɔːfɪzəm /

noun

1. the conception or representation of deities in the form of animals
2. the use of animal forms or symbols in art, literature, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌzooˈmorphic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zoomorphism¹

First recorded in 1830–40; zoomorph(ic) + -ism

Example Sentences

All are instances of that animal equivalent of anthropomorphism: zoomorphism, where an animal takes a human being, or another animal, to be one of its kind.

From Literature

We thus see that the rise from zoomorphism to anthropomorphism which the Greeks afterwards carried to the highest point attainable by the resources of art, began in Babylonia.

From Project Gutenberg