-ism definition

<suffix>

1. A suffix used to form nouns, especially denoting an action or its result (baptism; organism).

2. A system, principle, or ideological movement (Conservatism; jingoism; feminism).

3. A state or quality (heroism; barbarism).

4. A basis of prejudice or discrimination (racism; sexism).

5. Linguistics a peculiarity in language (Americanism).

Origin: from or suggested by French -isme, via Latin -ismus from Greek -ismos or -isma from -izo -ize

(06 Feb 2009)

<suffix>

<medicine> A combining form or suffix used to denote a pathological condition (alcoholism; parkinsonism).

Origin: F. -isme, or L. -ismus, Gr.

(11 Feb 2009)