Daimones

/daɪˈmoʊniːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of daemon or daimon; in Greek philosophy, supernatural beings or spirits intermediate between gods and humans, not necessarily evil.

Etymology

From Greek 'daimones' (δαίμονες), plural of 'daimon' (δαίμων), from 'daiesthai' meaning 'to distribute' or 'allot.' Originally neutral supernatural entities; Christianity reinterpreted them as demons with negative connotations.

Kelly Says

Socrates claimed to have a daimon that warned him against bad decisions—and psychiatrists today have repurposed this word (daemon process) for computer programs that run invisibly in the background, serving the same advisory function.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.