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hierophant

hi·er·o·phant [ hrə fànt, h ərə fànt, hī érrə fànt ] (plural hi·er·o·phants)

noun

Definition:

1. explainer of mysteries: somebody who interprets and explains obscure and mysterious matters, especially sacred doctrines or mysteries

2. interpreter of events: somebody who explains or comments on everyday matters ( formal )

3. ancient Greek priest: in ancient Greece, a priest who revealed the mysteries at the annual festival of Eleusis

[Late 17th century. Via late Latin< Greek hierophantēs "sacred person who reveals something" < hieros "sacred" + phen-, stem of phainein "reveal"]

hi·er·o·phan·tic [ hrə fántik, h ərə fántik, hī èrrə fántik ] adjective

hi·er·o·phan·ti·cal·ly adverb

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