[fun.da.men.tal.ism] n (1922) 1 a often cap: a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b: the beliefs of this movement c: adherence to such beliefs
2: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles -- fun.da.men.tal.ist n -- fundam entalist or fun.da.men.tal.is.tic adj