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Glite Dictionary
🐾 Animal-shaped object 🦁 Animal-shaped god
zoomorph

zoomorph

9.9
A god or spirit that looks like an animal
  • noun
  • /ˈzuːməˌrɔrf/
  • Literature
: zoomorfo
  • The ancient Egyptians worshipped a zoomorph like the falcon-headed god Horus.

Examples

  • In some cultures, a zoomorph is believed to protect villages from evil spirits.

  • The temple featured intricate carvings of various zoomorphs, showcasing the gods in animal forms.

  • The ancient statue depicted a zoomorph with the body of a lion and the head of a falcon.

  • The museum's collection includes a rare bronze zoomorph from the early Bronze Age.

  • The zoomorph is often depicted in art.

  • In ancient myths, a zoomorph often symbolizes the power of nature, such as a lion representing strength.

  • According to the legend, the zoomorph took the shape of a serpent to guide the hero through the jungle.

Surface Forms

zoomorph singular
zoomorphs plural

Morphology

zoomorph = zoo + morph (semi-transparent) = zoo + morph

Built from the combining forms 'zoo-' (animal) and '-morph' (form); the meaning is clear to those familiar with such technical combining forms but may be unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

Zoomorph comes from Greek parts zoo- meaning 'animal', like in zoo, and -morph meaning 'form' or 'shape', so a zoomorph is a god or spirit shown in the shape of an animal.