abraxas

[ uh-brak-suhs ]

noun

1. a word of unknown significance found on charms, especially amulets, of the late Greco-Roman world and linked with both Gnostic beliefs and magical practices by the early church fathers.

abraxas

/ əˈbræksəs; əˈbræsəks /

noun

1. an ancient charm composed of Greek letters: originally believed to have magical powers and inscribed on amulets, etc, but from the second century ad personified by Gnostics as a deity, the source of divine emanations

Word History and Origins

Origin of abraxas¹

First recorded in 1710–20; from Greek word abráxas, abrásax, abrasáx, of obscure origin; the combined numerical value of the Greek letters is 365, an important figure in Gnosticism and numerology

Word History and Origins

Origin of abraxas¹

from Greek: invented word

Example Sentences

Upon them were engraved mysterious hieroglyphs and figures, called Abraxas, and they are known as Abraxoides.

From Project Gutenberg

The breeding work concerns fowls, canaries, and the Currant moth (Abraxas grossulariata).

From Project Gutenberg

This condition of affairs exists not only in the moth Abraxas, but also in the fowl as shown by Pearl.

From Project Gutenberg

After midsummer, the conspicuous cream, black and yellow-spotted 'Magpie' moth (Abraxas grossulariata) is common in gardens.

From Project Gutenberg

Abraxas-stones were so called from having the word Abraxas or Abrasax engraved on them.

From Project Gutenberg