lingam
noun
lin·gam ˈliŋ-gəm 
variants or linga
ˈliŋ-gə
: a stylized phallic symbol that is worshipped in Hinduism as a sign of generative power and that represents the god Shiva compare yoni
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Axel Vervoordt owns an Indian lingam from the 19th century. 
WSJ, 6 Apr. 2018 In every nook and cranny are numerous shrines and lingams. Antonia Neubauer, Town & Country, 5 Oct. 2016 The oval object in front is a Japanese lingam from the 19th century. Thomas Gebremedhin, WSJ, 27 Mar. 2018 Magazine incorrectly said that the lingam was Japanese in origin. WSJ, 6 Apr. 2018 The tradition is that a pregnant woman walks into the river and discovers the lingam with her feet. Thomas Gebremedhin, WSJ, 27 Mar. 2018 A city of lingams dedicated to the Lord God Shiva, Varanasi is known as an auspicious place to die and a super-highway to heaven. Antonia Neubauer, Town & Country, 5 Oct. 2016 The builders of Vat Phou had noticed this and proclaimed it a natural lingam of Shiva. Edward Wong, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2017 See More
WSJ, 6 Apr. 2018 In every nook and cranny are numerous shrines and lingams. Antonia Neubauer, Town & Country, 5 Oct. 2016 The oval object in front is a Japanese lingam from the 19th century. Thomas Gebremedhin, WSJ, 27 Mar. 2018 Magazine incorrectly said that the lingam was Japanese in origin. WSJ, 6 Apr. 2018 The tradition is that a pregnant woman walks into the river and discovers the lingam with her feet. Thomas Gebremedhin, WSJ, 27 Mar. 2018 A city of lingams dedicated to the Lord God Shiva, Varanasi is known as an auspicious place to die and a super-highway to heaven. Antonia Neubauer, Town & Country, 5 Oct. 2016 The builders of Vat Phou had noticed this and proclaimed it a natural lingam of Shiva. Edward Wong, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
Sanskrit liṅga (nominative liṅgam), literally, characteristic
First Known Use
1719, in the meaning defined above