Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The supreme and most sacred syllable, consisting in Sanskrit of the three sounds (a), (u), and (m), representing various fundamental triads and believed to be the spoken essence of the universe. It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessings.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • interjection A mystic syllable or ejaculation used by Hindus and Buddhists in religious rites, -- orig. among the Hindus an exclamation of assent, like Amen, then an invocation, and later a symbol of the trinity formed by Vishnu, Siva, and Brahma.

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Sanskrit om, aum.]

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Examples

  • Many people think of saying the word Om during meditation, but any word would work.

    SO STRESSED William Kent Krueger 2010

  • Many people think of saying the word Om during meditation, but any word would work.

    SO STRESSED William Kent Krueger 2010

  • Never chant the word Om within the mind, as it creates a more reclusive energynot one you want for finding the man of your dreams.

    Making Room for Mr. Right Robin 2009

  • Never chant the word Om within the mind, as it creates a more reclusive energynot one you want for finding the man of your dreams.

    Making Room for Mr. Right Robin 2009

  • Unto them that enquired about what is highly beneficial, the holy one uttered only the word Om, which is Brahman in one syllable.

    The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 4 Books 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 Kisari Mohan [Translator] Ganguli

  • The title of Calagna's new sound is based on the Sanskrit word "Om," representing Source, God or Light.

    Steve Ralls: The Spirit Moves Her: DJ Alyson Calagna's Omtronica Steve Ralls 2010

  • The title of Calagna's new sound is based on the Sanskrit word "Om," representing Source, God or Light.

    Steve Ralls: The Spirit Moves Her: DJ Alyson Calagna's Omtronica Steve Ralls 2010

  • Alternatively, the word Om which is written as Um conforming to the weeping of a child or the lingering sound of a bell might be the right clue.

    Archive 2006-12-01 Tusar N Mohapatra 2006

  • Alternatively, the word Om which is written as Um conforming to the weeping of a child or the lingering sound of a bell might be the right clue.

    Uma, the enigma Tusar N Mohapatra 2006

  • Much that pawed between us I shall not relate, though the Lady Om is dear dust these centuries.

    Chapter 15 2010

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