Avicennism

noun

Av·​i·​cen·​nism

ˌavə̇ˈseˌnizəm

plural -s

: the doctrines of the philosopher Avicenna who taught a theory of emanation and a doctrine widely accepted in the middle ages that universals exist in rebus as the general characters of particulars but ante res only in the mind of God and post res only as abstractions in the human mind

Word History

Etymology

Avicenna + English -ism

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now