Hermetic
Adjective
Definition: Relating to or characterized by airtight or sealed closure.
Definition: Impervious to external influences; isolated or secretive.
Synonyms: Airtight, Sealed, Impervious, Isolated
Antonyms: Open, Permeable, Accessible
- The hermetic seal on the container ensured that no air could enter.
- The writer lived a hermetic life, rarely leaving their secluded cabin.
- Think of the word "hermetic" as something that is sealed away from the outside world.
Etymology:
The word "hermetic" comes from the Latin word "hermeticus," which means "of Hermes." Hermes was the Greek god associated with alchemy, magic, and communication with the divine. The word "hermetic" is derived from the belief that Hermes Trismegistus, a legendary figure in alchemy and mysticism, possessed secret knowledge that could only be accessed by those initiated into his teachings.
Historical Usage:The term "hermetic" was first used in the context of alchemy and later expanded to refer to anything sealed or isolated.
Related Idioms:
"Hermetically sealed"
Explanation:Refers to an airtight or completely sealed closure, often used in the context of packaging or containers to emphasize the impermeability to air or other substances.
Misconceptions:
Assuming the word "hermetic" solely refers to being sealed or airtight.
Explanation:While the primary definition of the word refers to being sealed or airtight, it also carries a connotation of being isolated or secretive. It is important to consider both aspects of the word's meaning when using it in context.