Theravada

noun
Ther·​a·​va·​da | \ ˌther-ə-ˈvä-də How to pronounce Theravada (audio) \

Definition of Theravada

: a conservative branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and adhering to the original Pali scriptures alone and to the nontheistic ideal of nirvana for a limited select number — compare mahayana

First Known Use of Theravada

1882, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Theravada

Pali theravāda, literally, doctrine of the elders

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