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juju

 - 4 dictionary results

ju⋅ju

[joo-joo]
–noun
1. an object venerated superstitiously and used as a fetish or amulet by tribal peoples of West Africa.
2. the magical power attributed to such an object.
3. a ban or interdiction effected by it.

Origin:
1890–95; allegedly < Hausa jūjū fetish


ju⋅ju⋅ism, noun
ju⋅ju⋅ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To juju
ju·ju   (jōō'jōō)   
n.  
  1. An object used as a fetish, a charm, or an amulet in West Africa.

  2. The supernatural power ascribed to such an object.

  3. A style of Nigerian popular music featuring electric guitars and traditional drums.


[Hausa jūjū, fetish, evil spirit.]
ju'ju·ism n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Main Entry:  juju1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  a charm or amulet with magical powers; also written ju-ju
Etymology:  French joujou 'plaything'
Main Entry:  juju2
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  the magical power of such an object
Etymology:  French joujou 'plaything'
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Copyright © 2003-2009 Dictionary.com, LLC
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