ambrosia etymology

Etymology

The word "ambrosia" derives from the Ancient Greek word ἀμβροσία (ambrosía), which is a compound of the prefix ἀν- (an-, meaning "not" or "without") and the noun βροτός (brótos, meaning "mortal") or βροτοί (brótoi, meaning "mortals").

Meaning

Ambrosia is a mythical substance in Greek mythology that is the food of the gods. It is often described as having a sweet, fragrant, and intoxicating aroma, and is said to confer immortality and eternal youth to those who consume it. Ambrosia has been associated with nectar, the drink of the gods, which is also said to have similar properties.

Origin

The origin of the concept of ambrosia is not entirely clear. Some scholars believe that it may have been inspired by the practice of using fragrant oils and spices to anoint the bodies of the dead, as this was believed to preserve them from decay and ensure their passage to the afterlife. Others suggest that it may have been influenced by the belief in the existence of a primordial substance that was the source of all life and immortality.

In Greek mythology, ambrosia is often depicted as being stored in a golden jar or chest, and guarded by the goddess Hebe, the personification of youth. The gods are said to have feasted on ambrosia and nectar in their palaces on Mount Olympus, and the consumption of ambrosia was believed to be a sign of divine favor and immortality.

ambrosia relate terms

  • Ambrose

    Etymology Ambrose is derived from the Greek name Αμβρόσιος Ambrosios which

  • ambrosia

    Etymology The word ambrosia derives from the Ancient Greek word ἀμβροσία ambr

  • ambrosial

    Etymology The word ambrosial comes from the Greek ambrosios meaning immortal or d

  • ambrosia

    Etymology The word ambrosia derives from the Ancient Greek word ἀμβροσία ambr

  • ambrotype

    Etymology Greek ambrotos immortal typos impression Meaning An ambrotype

  • nectar

    Etymology The word nectar derives from the Greek word νέκταρ néktar which

  • sweet

    Etymology The word sweet comes from the Old English word swēte which itself evolve

  • treat

    Etymology The word treat comes from the Middle English word treten meaning to handl

  • composition

    Etymology Latin compositus put together arranged framed Present participle of comp

  • dainty

    Etymology French daint delicate c 1300 Middle English deyntee dayntee c 1340 O

  • recant

    Etymology The word recant comes from the Latin verb recantare which means to sing b

  • trance

    Etymology The word trance comes from the Old French word trans to cross and the La

  • oracle

    Etymology The word oracle derives from the Latin term oraculum which in turn comes f

  • versatile

    Etymology The word versatile comes from the French versatile which in turn derives