pyrolatry
- noun
- /ˈpaɪrəˌlætri/
- Specialized
- Some ancient cultures practiced pyrolatry, believing fire to be a purifying and divine force.
Examples
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The practice of pyrolatry has fascinated historians studying early human religions.
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In the temple, pyrolatry ceremonies were marked by ritual bonfires.
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Pyrolatry is fascinating.
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Many people practice pyrolatry.
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In the temple, pyrolatry ceremonies were marked by ritual bonfires.
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Some ancient cultures practiced pyrolatry, believing fire to be a purifying and divine force.
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The practice of pyrolatry has fascinated historians studying early human religions.
Synonyms
To treat fire as a god or holy thing
Surface Forms
Morphology
pyrolatry = pyro + latry
The word is built from classical combining forms meaning 'fire' and 'worship,' but those parts are not transparent standalone English words for most learners.
Etymology
Pyrolatry comes from Greek parts pyro- 'fire' and -latry 'worship', as in idolatry, so it literally means 'fire-worship'.