-əˌlizəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably from (assumed) New Latin spiritualismus, from Medieval Latin spiritualis spiritual + Latin -ismus -ism
1. : a doctrine that all that exists is spirit : idealism ; especially : metaphysical idealism — compare materialism
2.
a. : a belief that departed spirits hold intercourse with mortals usually through a medium by means of rapping and other physical phenomena or during abnormal mental states (as trances)
b. : the doctrines and practices of spiritualists
3. : the quality or state of being spiritual : spiritual nature or essence : spirituality