n.
Pronunciation: - ˌ i-z ə m
Variant: also Dao · ism \ ' dau ̇ - \
Function: noun
Etymology: Tao
Date: 1838
1 : a Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the sixth century B.C. that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity
2 : a religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means
– Tao · ist \ -ist \ adjective or noun
– Tao · is · tic \ dau ̇ - ' is-tik, tau ̇ - \ adjective