abraxas

noun

abrax·​as
ə-ˈbrak-səs
1
used as a charm on an amulet or talisman in Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa from the second century b.c. until the 13th century
2
or abraxas stone plural abraxases or abraxas stones : a gem engraved with the word abraxas

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin Abraxas, a Gnostic deity, borrowed from Greek Abrasax, Abraxas; perhaps regarded as a charm from the numerical value of the Greek letters, which is 365

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of abraxas was in 1698

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near abraxas

Cite this Entry

“Abraxas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abraxas. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!