theriomorphic

or the·ri·o·mor·phous

[ theer-ee-uh-mawr-fik ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

theriomorphic

/ ˌθɪərɪəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

1880–85; < Greek thēriómorph ( os ) beast-shaped ( thērío ( n ) wild beast + -morphos -morphous ) + -ic

C19: from Greek thēriomorphos, from thērion wild animal + morphē shape

The zoo-morphic or theriomorphic mythologies and creeds are nowhere more vivacious than in America.

It is not to be expected that many, if any, remains of a theriomorphic character should cling to a goddess so abstract as Aditi.

The Algonkins, however, thought otherwise, and the myth itself suggests a theriomorphic earth-maker.

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