— animist , adj. — animistic , adj.
/an"euh miz'euhm/ , n.
1. the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls.
2. the belief that natural objects have souls that may exist apart from their material bodies.
3. the doctrine that the soul is the principle of life and health.
4. belief in spiritual beings or agencies.
[ 1825-35; anim ( a ) (see ANIMA) + -ISM ]