adj.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )h ə r- ' me-tik
Variant: also her · met · i · cal \ -ti-k ə l \
Function: adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin hermeticus, from Hermet-, Hermes Trismegistus
Date: 1605
1 often capitalized a : of or relating to the Gnostic writings or teachings arising in the first three centuries A.D. and attributed to Hermes Trismegistus b : relating to or characterized by occultism or abstruseness : RECONDITE
2 [from the belief that Hermes Trismegistus invented a magic seal to keep vessels airtight] a : AIRTIGHT < hermetic seal> b : impervious to external influence <trapped inside the hermetic military machine ― Jack Newfield> c : RECLUSE , SOLITARY <leads a hermetic life>
– her · met · i · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb