av·a·tar
( v  -tär )
n.
1. The incarnation of a Hindu deity, especially
Vishnu, in human or animal form.
2. An embodiment, as of a quality or concept; an
archetype: the very avatar of cunning.
3. A temporary manifestation or aspect of a continuing
entity: occultism in its present
avatar.
[Sanskrit avat
 ra , descent (of a deity from
heaven), avatar : ava, down + tarati, he
crosses; see ter-2 in Indo-European
roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language,
Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009.
Published by Houghton
Mifflin Company. All rights reserved
Willie is the very avatar of cheerfulness: if he were a Greek god, he would be the god of good cheer.
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