1. in metaphysics, the position that the fundamental reality of the universe is nonmaterial.

2. the belief that the spirits of the dead survive in another world or dimension and that it is possible for the living to receive communications from them through mediums. With magic and the occult arts, spiritualism may be considered the philosophical and religious counterpart to parapsychology. Also called spiritism.

3. the belief that all human and nonhuman animals, plants, and natural objects possess souls and are part of a larger, universal spirit. See panpsychism. —spiritualist adj., n. —spiritualistic adj.