ˈrējən ə lˌizəm, -jnəˌli- noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary regional + -ism
1.
a. : consciousness of and loyalty to a distinct subnational or supranational area usually characterized by a common culture, background, or interests
b. : development of a political or social system based on one or more such areas
2. : the theory or practice of selecting a particular locale or region for subject matter and stressing its characteristic aspects in art or literature
3. : a peculiarity (as of speech) that predominates or persists in a particular geographic area
4. : the study of regional societies as distinct geographical and sociocultural complexes especially in their relationship to other regions and to the composite national societies of which they form a part