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 way to cross those mountains, or a way to hide ourselves from the numina.”

From Literature

But the symbol carried with it the numen of the goddess symbolized, and there can be little doubt that Ashērah came to be regarded as Yahweh’s consort.

From Project Gutenberg

Great they knew was “Jupiter Best and Greatest” of conquering Rome; and great the numen of the Cæsar, to which everywhere in this rich and servile province shrines were rising.

From Project Gutenberg

The deities are already clear-cut, individual personalities of distinct ethos, plastically shaped figures such as the later sculpture and painting could work upon, not vaguely conceived numina like the forms of the old Roman religion.

From Project Gutenberg

The word thus gradually lost its original meaning; the nameless local genii became an expression for the universality of the divinum numen and were sometimes identified with the higher gods.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ability
• accomplishment
• endowment