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the definition of Zoroastrian

1735-45; < Latin Zōroastr(ēs) (< Greek Zōroástrēs < Avestan zaraθuštra Zarathustra) + -ian

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2016.
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Examples from the Web for Zoroastrian

Contemporary Examples

  • Lawler notes that in the Zoroastrian religion of the Persians, the rooster was of the utmost importance.

  • These are combined with aspects of the Zoroastrian religion, the ancient Persian faith still practiced in the region.

Historical Examples

  • This was called the Zoroastrian languages, because the name Zend is that of their sacred book.

  • A Zoroastrian could not conceive it possible that any one could eat dog's flesh.

  • The original Zoroastrian Avesta, according to tradition, was in itself a literature of vast dimensions.

  • The Zoroastrian tells us of the seven Ameshaspendas who rule the world.

  • The latter was as clearly defined in the duality of Zoroastrian theology, as the former.

  • Death, in the Solomonic proverbs, 81; in the Zoroastrian religion, 82.

  • Unlike Cyrus, he was at least a monotheist, if not a thoroughgoing Zoroastrian.

  • His school companions, both Zoroastrian and Christian, shunned him, but the latter on one occasion baptized him.

British Dictionary definitions for Zoroastrian

adjective

1.

of or relating to Zoroastrianism or Zoroaster

noun

2.

a follower of Zoroaster or adherent of Zoroastrianism: in modern times a Gabar or a Parsee

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for Zoroastrian

1743, from Zoroaster, from Latin Zoroastres, from Old Persian Zarathushtra, 6c. or 7c. B.C.E. Persian religious teacher. The name appears to be literally "whose camels are old," from *zarant "old" (cognate with Greek geron, genitive gerontos "old;" see gerontology) + ushtra "camel."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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