{ } a. [ Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to interpret: cf. F. herméneutique. ] Unfolding the signification; of or pertaining to interpretation; exegetical; explanatory; as, hermeneutic theology, or the art of expounding the Scriptures; a hermeneutic phrase. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. According to the principles of interpretation; as, a verse of Scripture was examined hermeneutically. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; (sc. &unr_;). ] The science of interpretation and explanation; exegesis; esp., that branch of theology which defines the laws whereby the meaning of the Scriptures is to be ascertained. Schaff-Herzog Encyc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;. ] 1. (Myth.) See Mercury. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Hermes Trismegistus [ Gr. 'Ermh^s trisme`gistos, lit., Hermes thrice greatest ] was a late name of Hermes, especially as identified with the Egyptian god Thoth. He was the fabled inventor of astrology and alchemy. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Archaeology) Originally, a boundary stone dedicated to Hermes as the god of boundaries, and therefore bearing in some cases a head, or head and shoulders, placed upon a quadrangular pillar whose height is that of the body belonging to the head, sometimes having feet or other parts of the body sculptured upon it. These figures, though often representing Hermes, were used for other divinities, and even, in later times, for portraits of human beings. Called also herma. See Terminal statue, under Terminal.

{ } a. [ F. hermétique. See Note under Hermes, 1. ] 1. Of, pertaining to, or taught by, Hermes Trismegistus; as, hermetic philosophy. Hence: Alchemical; chemic. “Delusions of the hermetic art.” Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

The alchemists, as the people were called who tried to make gold, considered themselves followers of Hermes, and often called themselves Hermetic philosophers. A. B. Buckley. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to the system which explains the causes of diseases and the operations of medicine on the principles of the hermetic philosophy, and which made much use, as a remedy, of an alkali and an acid; as, hermetic medicine. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Made perfectly close or air-tight by fusion, so that no gas or spirit can enter or escape; as, an hermetic seal. See Note under Hermetically. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hermetic art, alchemy. --
Hermetic books. (a) Books of the Egyptians, which treat of astrology. (b) Books which treat of universal principles, of the nature and orders of celestial beings, of medicine, and other topics. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. In an hermetical manner; chemically. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. By fusion, so as to form an air-tight closure. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ A vessel or tube is hermetically sealed when it is closed completely against the passage of air or other fluid by fusing the extremity; -- sometimes less properly applied to any air-tight closure. [ 1913 Webster ]