abraxas
[ uh-brak-suhs ]
/ əˈbræk səs /
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noun
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.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Origin of abraxas
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
Words nearby abraxas
abraser, abrash, abrasion, abrasive, abrasiveness, abraxas, abrazo, abreact, abreaction, abreast, abri
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for abraxas
British Dictionary definitions for abraxas
abraxas
abrasax (əˈbræsəks)
/ (əˈbræksəs) /
noun
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 Origin for abraxas
from Greek: invented word
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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