Manichaean

noun
Man·​i·​chae·​an | \ ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ən How to pronounce Manichaean (audio) \
variants: or Manichean or Manichee \ ˈma-​nə-​ˌkē How to pronounce Manichee (audio) \

Definition of Manichaean

1 : a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism (see dualism sense 3) originating in Persia in the third century a.d. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism
2 : a believer in religious or philosophical dualism

Other Words from Manichaean

Manichaean or Manichean adjective
Manichaeanism or Manicheanism \ ˌma-​nə-​ˈkē-​ə-​ˌni-​zəm How to pronounce Manicheanism (audio) \ noun
Manichaeism or Manicheism \ ˈma-​nə-​(ˌ)kē-​ˌi-​zəm How to pronounce Manicheism (audio) \ noun

First Known Use of Manichaean

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for Manichaean

Late Latin manichaeus, from Late Greek manichaios, from Manichaios Manes †about a.d. 276 Persian founder of the sect

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