diffusionist

noun

dif·fu·sion·ist di-ˈfyü-zhə-nəst

: an anthropologist who emphasizes the role of diffusion in the history of culture rather than independent invention or discovery

diffusionism

di-ˈfyü-zhə-ˌni-zəm

noun

diffusionist adjective

Word History

Etymology

diffusion + -ist entry 1, after earlier diffusionist, adjective, and diffusionism (probably after German Diffusionismus)

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of diffusionist was in 1920

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Diffusionist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diffusionist. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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diffusionist

noun

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