Hermetic
/hɜːrˈmɛtɪk/noun
Sealed so tightly that nothing can enter or escape; also relating to esoteric or occult teachings.
Did you know?The mystical sense of Hermetic comes from Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary fusion of the Greek Hermes and Egyptian Thoth, whose writings became foundational to Western occult philosophy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Hermēs
“Hermes, the Greek messenger god associated with boundaries, travel, and cunning”
Hellenistic Egypt
Greek
Hermēs Trismegistos
“'Thrice-great Hermes,' a syncretic sage identified with esoteric wisdom”
Late Latin
Latin
hermeticus
“Pertaining to Hermes Trismegistus; occult or alchemical”
16th Century
English
hermetic
“Relating to the writings or doctrines attributed to Hermes Trismegistus”
17th Century
English
hermetic
“So tightly sealed as to be airtight or impervious”
Modern English
English
hermetic
“Airtight; also obscure, esoteric, or closed off”
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