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tetragrammaton

noun
tet·​ra·​gram·​ma·​ton | \ˌte-trə-ˈgra-mə-ˌtän \

Definition of tetragrammaton 

: the four Hebrew letters usually transliterated YHWH or JHVH that form a biblical proper name of God — compare yahweh

Examples of tetragrammaton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 In fact, many occultists believe that the appearance of 11:11 is connected to the tetragrammaton — the unpronounceable four-letter name for the God of Israel. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "The Basics of Numerology: How to Calculate Your Life Path and Destiny Numbers," 16 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tetragrammaton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of tetragrammaton

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tetragrammaton

Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from neuter of tetragrammatos having four letters, from tetra- + grammat-, gramma letter — more at gram

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Last Updated

21 Nov 2018

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The first known use of tetragrammaton was in the 15th century

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