-ism, -ismus

A morbid condition induced by x-rays.

A reference to the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church based in Rome.

1. The quality of being romantic or having romantic inclinations.
2. Impractical romantic ideals and attitudes.
3. An exciting and mysterious quality (as of a heroic time or adventure).
4. A movement in literature and art during the late 18th and early 19th centuries which celebrated nature rather than civilization.

Respect or attachment to monarchism or to the principles of a monarchial government: Royalism is quite prevalent in many Canadian towns where so man people are supporters of the King of England.

A belief that only a pastor is able to mediate between God and human beings: This requirement of sacerdotalism is denied by those who believe that all Christian believers can access God directly without the need of an intermediary; such as, a priest or a minister.

The doctrine that the observance of certain rituals are necessary for salvation and that such participation can confer grace: Zara was confident that if she observed all the sacramentalisms of her church, she would be forgiven for her selfish behavior and for doubting some of her religious beliefs.

Any of several theories about the evolution of species which proceeds in major steps, or strides, by the abrupt transformation of an ancestral species into a descendant species of a different type, rather than by the gradual accumulation of small changes: The process of saltationism includes an unorthodox emphasis of evolutionary changes that is considered to be abnormal when compared to longer changes that usually take place.

Saltationism is generally not considered to be a method by which evolution occurs.

1. A rescuing from harm, ruin, or loss.
2. A religious doctrine that emphasizes the deliverance of the soul from sin and its consequences.

1. The state of living as a saprophyte.
2. Saprophytic nutrition.

1. A separation, split, or division between strongly opposed parties or individuals caused by differences of opinion or beliefs: There appears to be a schism among members of the political party because they can't seem to agree on who should be nominated for the next election.

The local church was divided by a schism about whether women should be allowed to become ministers or preachers.

2. Etymology: from Middle English and then from Old French schisme via church Latin from Greek skhisma, "cleft, split"; from skhizein, "to split". © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.