adjective
hermetic
Relating to occult or alchemical traditions associated with Hermes Trismegistus.
The museum displays hermetic texts alongside early books on alchemy.
Etymology
The adjective comes from the figure credited with writings on hidden wisdom and alchemy. Hermetic identifies the traditions associated with that authority.
More examples
- This book explores the role of Hermes Trismegistus in hermetic philosophy.
- The painting uses hermetic symbols drawn from alchemy.
- Our class discusses the influence of hermetic traditions on Renaissance thinkers.
Forms
hermetic
hermeticism noun — Traditions based on teachings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus.
Similar words
- occult
- Covers hidden supernatural knowledge, not specifically teachings attributed to Hermes.
- alchemical
- Concerns alchemy specifically, rather than the broader tradition of Hermes.