1. an animal, plant, or natural object serving among certain tribal or traditional peoples as the emblem of a clan or family and sometimes revered as its founder, ancestor, or guardian.
2. A representation of such an object.
3. A social group having a common affiliation to such an object.
4. A venerated emblem or symbol: "grew up with the totems and taboos typical of an irish catholic kid in boston” ( Connie Paige).

1. any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family.
2. the representation of such object or creature.
3. the clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.

1. A rude picture, as of a bird, beast, or the like, used by the north american indians as a symbolic designation, as of a family or a clan; also, the object or animal itself, considered as an symbol of the family.
2. anything which serves as a venerated or mystic symbol or emblem.

1. among the indians of north america, a natural object, usually an animal, assumed as the token or emblem of a clan or family, and a representation of which served as a cognizance for each member of it; hence, a more or less similar observance and usage among other uncivilized peoples. see totemism.

1. emblem consisting of an object such as an animal or plant; serves as the symbol of a family or clan (especially among american indians)
2. a clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object