n. 1. An ancient Greek priest who interpreted sacred mysteries, especially the priest of the Eleusinian mysteries. 2. An interpreter of sacred mysteries or arcane knowledge. 3. One who explains or makes a commentary. [Late Latin hierophanta, from Greek hierophantēs : hieros, holy; see eis- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + -phantēs, one who shows (from phainein, phan-, to show; see bhā-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] hi′er·o·phantic adj. |
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