Hermetic

Hermetic describes something that is completely sealed, airtight, or impervious to outside influences. The term originates from the legendary alchemist Hermes Trismegistus, often associated with occult knowledge and secrecy. The application extends beyond literal sealing; it can refer to a self-contained system, a secluded environment, or a philosophical concept isolated from external interference. It suggests a quality of isolation, protection, and often, an implied degree of mystery or arcane knowledge. It emphasizes the prevention of change or corruption from external forces, suggesting the importance of maintaining a stable and pure internal environment.

Hermetic meaning with examples

• The laboratory's equipment was kept in a hermetic chamber to prevent contamination from dust and other particles, ensuring the accuracy of the sensitive experiments. Scientists sealed the chamber to preserve the sterile environment. Only by maintaining a hermetic environment could researchers get accurate results. The airtight enclosure protected the chemical reactions from atmospheric fluctuations.
• The novel's protagonist lived a hermetic existence in a remote mountain cabin, seeking refuge from the world's chaos and pursuing a life of self-reflection. He avoided all social interactions, focusing on his writing and philosophy. He cultivated a hermetic lifestyle. This seclusion was the only way he knew to focus.
• The ancient text, filled with cryptic symbols and esoteric language, was considered hermetic, accessible only to a select few initiates who understood its hidden meanings and arcane practices. The text’s teachings were held in secret. For centuries, the text was a hermetic work. Only the initiated could know.
• The software developer created a hermetic build process, ensuring that the codebase produced identical output every time, regardless of the surrounding operating environment or system. This method guaranteed the reliability and reproducibility. A hermetic build is dependable. The process was self-contained.