What is "tritheism"

Tritheism \Tri"the*ism\, n. [Pref. tri- + Gr. ? God: cf. F. trith['e]isme.] The opinion or doctrine that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct Gods.

n. 1 A belief in three gods. 2 Any of several forms of Christianity that deny the Trinity.

n. (Christianity) the heretical belief that the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are three separate gods

Tritheism is the belief that cosmic divinity is composed of three powerful entities. As generally conceived, three gods are envisioned as having separate domains and spheres of influence that coalesce into an omnipotent whole. In this primary respect, tritheism differs from cosmic dualism, which often posits two divine powers working in theologic or spiritual opposition.

Most Christian denominations do not hold the universe as spiritually tritheistic, although some nontrinitarian denominations stray slightly from pure monotheism and the duality between God and Satan. The term has been sporadically used to spearhead heresy accusations, especially when employed against Christian sects promoting allegedly anathema conceptions of the Trinity.