totem

Meaning

1. Any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family; the representation of such an object or creature.
2. The clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.
3. A symbol or personification.
4. An arbitrarily chosen object serving as a reminder to check whether one is awake or not, to aid in having lucid dreams.
5. A tall object resembling a totem pole.

Synonyms

dreaming

clan

ceremony

sept

sign

symbol

taboo

tradition

fetish

legend

Hyphenated as

to‧tem

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈtoʊtəm/

Etymology

From Ojibwe (o)doodem(an).