numen

[ noo-min, nyoo- ]

noun

, plural nu·mi·na [noo, -m, uh, -n, uh, nyoo, -].

1. divine power or spirit; a deity, especially one presiding locally or believed to inhabit a particular object.

numen

/ ˈnjuːmɛn /

noun

1. (esp in ancient Roman religion) a deity or spirit presiding over a thing or place
2. a guiding principle, force, or spirit

Word History and Origins

Origin of numen¹

1620–30; < Latin nūmen a nod, command, divine will or power, divinity; akin to nūtāre to nod the head in commanding or assent

Word History and Origins

Origin of numen¹

C17: from Latin: a nod (indicating a command), divine power; compare nuere to nod

Example Sentences

Another of the oaths prescribed by command of Caligula was “per numen Drusillæ.”

From Project Gutenberg

The populus was the tree of Hercules, and the plane-tree was the “numen of Atridæ.”

From Project Gutenberg

Nil praeter nubes et coeli numen adorant.They worship clouds and firmament alone.

From Project Gutenberg

At id neque fleri potest, neque Christi sanctissimum numen approbat.

From Project Gutenberg

The universe is directed by a ‘vis animae divina’ or ‘divinum numen’ (i. 250, 491).

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ability
• accomplishment
• endowment