Definition of REALM

realm

Meanings

Plural: realms

Noun

  • a domain in which something is dominant
    • "the rise of the realm of cotton in the south"
  • the domain ruled by a king or queen
  • a knowledge domain that you are interested in or are communicating about
    • "it was a limited realm of discourse"
    • "the realm of the occult"
  • A territory or state, as ruled by an absolute authority, especially by a king; a kingdom.
  • An otherworldly dimension or domain — magical, ethereal, or otherwise — usually ruled or created by a mystical character.
  • A territory or state, as ruled by an absolute authority, especially by a king; a kingdom.
  • The spiritual state of which God is the head; the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • A territory or state, as ruled by an absolute authority, especially by a king; a kingdom.
  • A sphere of knowledge or of influence; a domain.
  • A primary zoogeographical division of the earth's surface.
  • A taxonomic rank in the phylogeny of viruses, higher than kingdoms.
  • A region or zone forming part of a cosmological system.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English rewme, realme, reaume, from Old French reaume, realme, reialme (“kingdom”), of unclear origins. A postulated *rēgālimen (“domain, kingdom”), Late Latin or Vulgar Latin cross of regimen with rēgālis is usually cited.
The modern spelling predominates from around 1600. The modern pronunciation with /l/ is either a spelling pronunciation or influenced by the etymology.

Scrabble Score: 7

realm is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
realm is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
realm is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 9

realm is a valid Words With Friends word