tachism

noun

tach·​ism ˈta-ˌshi-zəm How to pronounce tachism (audio)
often capitalized
: action painting
tachist
ˈta-shist How to pronounce tachism (audio)
adjective or noun
or less commonly tachiste
ta-ˈshēst How to pronounce tachism (audio)
often capitalized

Word History

Etymology

French tachisme, from tache stain, spot, blob, from Old French teche, tache, of Germanic origin; akin to Old Saxon tēkan sign, Old High German zeihhan — more at token entry 1

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tachism was in 1955

Browse Nearby Words

Tachinidae
tachism
tachistoscope
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tachism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tachism. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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