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| rit·u·al [ ríchoo əl ] |
noun (plural rit·u·als) |
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| Definition: |
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1. established formal behavior: an established and prescribed pattern of observance, e.g. in a religion
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2. performance of formal acts: the observance of actions or procedures in a set, ordered, and ceremonial way
(
often used before a noun
)
  a ritual dance
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3. system of rites: the system of set procedures and actions of a group
Orthodox ritual
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4. unchanging pattern: a pattern of actions or words followed regularly and precisely
(
informal
)
the weekend car-washing ritual
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5. biology set form of communication: a set sequence of actions that an animal uses to communicate information or to reinforce social cohesion
mating rituals
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6. psychology repetitive behavior: an inflexible, stylized, and often repetitive sequence of actions, e.g. repeated hand-washing, that may indicate an obsession
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7. book of ceremonies: a book containing rites or ceremonial procedures, especially religious rites
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
| |
1. following pattern: done regularly and in precisely the same way each time
her ritual morning exercises
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2. of rite: relating to or done as a ceremonial rite
ritual observance
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| [Late 16th century. < Latin ritualis< ritus (see rite)] |
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| rit·u·al·ly adverb |
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