What does HERMA mean?

Herma

1. Parts of Speech: Noun

2. Definitions:

• a statue or sculpture consisting of a head, usually of Hermes, on a square pillar
• a boundary marker or signpost in ancient Greece, often with a head or bust of Hermes

3. Pronunciations:

• US: /ˈhɜrmə/
• UK: /ˈhɜːmə/

4. Origin and Usage:

The word "herma" comes from the Greek "ἑρμῆς" (hermēs), which means "Hermes," the Greek god of commerce, fertility, and travelers. Hermae were originally used as boundary markers or signposts in ancient Greece, often with a head or bust of Hermes. Later, they evolved into statues or sculptures consisting of a head, usually of Hermes, on a square pillar.

5. Synonyms:

• herm
• herm pillar
• herm column

6. Related Words:

• shema
• rhema
• lemma
• thema
• gemma

7. Example Sentences:

1. The hermae were used as boundary markers or signposts in ancient Greece.
2. The herma is a statue consisting of a head, usually of Hermes, on a square pillar.
3. The herm pillars were often placed at crossroads and other important locations.