ism

[iz-uhm ]

1. a distinctive doctrine, theory, system, or practice:

   This is the age of isms.

-ism

1. a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nouns from verbs (baptism); on this model, used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice, state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion or adherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism).

ism

/ ˈɪzəm /

1. informal.
   an unspecified doctrine, system, or practice

ISM

1. interstellar medium

-ism

1. indicating an action, process, or result

   terrorism

   criticism

2. indicating a state or condition

   paganism

3. indicating a doctrine, system, or body of principles and practices

   spiritualism

   Leninism

4. indicating behaviour or a characteristic quality

   heroism

5. indicating a characteristic usage, esp of a language

   Scotticism

   colloquialism

6. indicating prejudice on the basis specified

   sexism

   ageism