I. hə(r)ˈmed.]ik, |hər|m-, (ˈ)hə̄|m-, (ˈ)həi|m-, -et], ]ēk adjective
or her·met·i·cal ]ə̇kəl, ]ēk-
Etymology: New Latin hermeticus, from Hermet-, Hermes Trismegistus Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom, fabled author of a number of mystical, philosophical, and alchemistic writings, from Greek Hermēt-, Hermēs trismegistos, literally, thrice-great Hermes (with whom the Greeks identified Thoth) + Latin -icus -ic, -ical
1. sometimes capitalized
a. : of or relating to the mystical and alchemical writings or teachings of Thoth, the Egyptian god of wisdom
hermetic sciences
b. : relating to or characterized by occultism, alchemy, magic, or whatever is obscure and mysterious : recondite
hermetic poetry
2.
[so called from the belief that Hermes Trismegistus invented a magic seal to keep vessels airtight\]
a. : impervious to air : airtight
hermetic seal
hermetic compass
b. : impervious to external influence
as hermetic as a nunnery — Eugene MacCown
3. : of or relating to a herm : hermaean
II. noun
( -s )
1. : alchemist
2. : an expounder of hermetic teachings