euhemerism

noun

eu·​he·​mer·​ism yü-ˈhē-mə-ˌri-zəm 

-ˈhe-mə-

: interpretation of myths as traditional accounts of historical persons and events

euhemerist

yü-ˈhē-mə-rist 

-ˈhe-mə-

noun

euhemeristic

yü-ˌhē-mə-ˈri-stik 

-ˌhe-mə-

adjective

Word History

Etymology

Euhemerus, 4th century b.c. Greek mythographer

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above