euhemerism noun. [ju:'hi:mǝrɪz(ǝ)m] M19.
[from Latin Euhemerus from Greek Euēmeros, Sicilian writer (c 316 BC) who maintained that the gods and goddesses of Greek mythol. were deified men and women: see -ISM.]
The interpretation of myths as traditional accounts of real historical events and people.

■ euhemerist noun & adjective (a) noun a euhemeristic person; (b) adjective = euhemeristic: M19.

■ euheme'ristic adjective inclined to euhemerism; exhibiting or characterized by euhemerism: M19.

■ euhemerize verb (a) verb trans. subject to a euhemeristic interpretation; (b) verb intrans. follow the euhemeristic method of interpretation: M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲