om

Definition

A sacred, mystical syllable used in prayer and meditation.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Sanskrit ओम् (om) (symbol ॐ (oṃ)). The former (om) is used in both Buddhist and Hindu settings, while the latter (aum) is usually used only in Jain and Hindu settings.

Example Sentences

• "In fact it sounded exactly like the voice of Livia, her vanished sister, and, like her, it was intoning the Aum just as she used once to do at the beginning of her yoga sessions."
• "Om is pronounced "a-a-o-o-u-u-m-m" and is repeated slowly for as long as possible."