syncretism

Noun

Open English WordNet

Noun (2)

  1. the union (or attempted fusion) of different systems of thought or belief (especially in religion or philosophy)“a syncretism of material and immaterial theories”Type of union, unification
  2. the fusion of originally different inflected forms (resulting in a reduction in the use of inflections)Type of fusion

Related words syncretistic adjective, syncretic adjective, syncretical adjective, syncretistical adjective, syncretise verb

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Syn′cre·tism noun

Origin: Gr. …, fr. … to make two parties join against a third: cf. F. syncrétisme.

1. Attempted union of principles or parties irreconcilably at variance with each other.

He is plotting a carnal syncretism, and attempting the reconcilement of Christ and Belial.— Richard Baxter
Syncretism is opposed to eclecticism in philosophy.— C. P., and Fleming, William Krauth

2. Philology The union or fusion into one of two or more originally different inflectional forms, as of two cases.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: 1913 supplement

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