Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
totem pole

totem pole

 
pronunciation:
to tm pol
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a vertical post or column that is carved with totemic figures and usu. painted, formerly erected in front of dwellings by certain coastal Indian peoples of northwestern North America.
 
definition 2: (informal) any hierarchical system such as a government or business.