mimsis

Mimsis is a term with no widely established meaning in English-language reference works. In current usage, it may refer to a proper noun—a surname, a fictional place, or a character name—or it may be a misspelling or variation of the concept mimesis or mimicry. Because there is no standard definition, the interpretation of mimsis varies by source.

Etymology and usage: The most plausible connection is to the Greek root mime-, meaning "to imitate" (as in mimesis). However, there is no consensus linking mimsis to a specific etymology. In some cases, authors or editors may render mimsis as a transliteration of a non-English term, or as a creative coinage in science fiction or fantasy contexts.

In literature and media, if used as a fictional construct, mimsis could denote a theory or mechanism of imitation, or a cultural phenomenon inspired by mimesis. As a surname or place name, it may appear in regional contexts with limited public documentation.

See also: mimesis, imitation, mimicry, onomastics.