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kundalini

noun, often capitalized
kun·​da·​li·​ni | \ ˌku̇n-də-ˈlē-nē How to pronounce kundalini (audio) , ˌkən-\

Definition of kundalini

: the yogic life force that is held to lie coiled at the base of the spine until it is aroused and sent to the head to trigger enlightenment
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Did You Know?

Kundalinī is the feminine form of the Sanskrit adjective meaning "circular" or "coiled." In yoga, the word applies to the life force that lies like a coiled serpent at the base of the spine and that can be sent along the spine to the head through prescribed postures and exercises. On the way, the kundalini passes through six chakras, or points of physical or spiritual energy in the human body. At the seventh chakra, the yogi is said to experience enlightenment.

Examples of kundalini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 The Spirit Voyage channel features various kundalini greats to guide you through unique classes and meditations. — Hannah Chenoweth, SELF, "The 9 Best YouTube Yoga Channels I Discovered While Practicing Yoga at Home for 6 Years," 5 May 2019 While ashtanga has a reputation for being physically demanding, kundalini is considered to be a style of yoga that’s more spiritually focused. — Hannah Chenoweth, SELF, "The 9 Best YouTube Yoga Channels I Discovered While Practicing Yoga at Home for 6 Years," 5 May 2019 Born to an American mother from Long Beach, California, and a Swedish father, Westman briefly lived on a kundalini ashram in Los Angeles as a child and moved to Sweden at age 10. — Florence Kane, WSJ, "At Home With the Power Couple Behind New Makeup Line Westman Atelier," 31 Mar. 2018 Gentle kundalini yoga For beginners to advanced practitioners. — Washington Post, "Fairfax County community calendar, Sept. 21-27, 2017," 21 Sep. 2017 Gentle kundalini yoga For beginners to advanced practitioners. — Washington Post, "Fairfax County community calendar, Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2017," 30 Aug. 2017 Gentle kundalini yoga For beginners to advanced practitioners. — Washington Post, "Fairfax County community calendar, Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2017," 30 Aug. 2017 Gentle kundalini yoga For beginners to advanced practitioners. — Washington Post, "Fairfax County community calendar, July 20-27, 2017," 19 July 2017 Gentle kundalini yoga For beginners to advanced practitioners. — Washington Post, "Fairfax County community calendar, July 20-27, 2017," 19 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kundalini.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of kundalini

1897, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for kundalini

Sanskrit kuṇḍalinī, from feminine of kuṇḍalin circular, coiled, from kuṇḍala ring

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More from Merriam-Webster on kundalini

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with kundalini

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kundalini

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