-rəˌlizəm noun
( -s )
1. : the quality or state of being plural
ethical pluralism , which speculated on the variety of political systems that became possible once the moral value of group life was acknowledged — David Easton
2.
a. : the holding by one person of two or more offices at once
b. : plurality 2a
3.
a. : a metaphysical theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality — compare dualism , monism
b. : a metaphysical theory (as atomism or monadism) that reality is not an organic whole but is composed of a plurality of independent entities whether material or spiritual or both — contrasted with monism
4.
a. : a state or condition of society in which members of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, or social groups maintain an autonomous participation in and development of their traditional culture or special interest within the confines of a common civilization
b. : a concept, doctrine, or policy proposing or advocating this state