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Glite Dictionary
ophiolatry

ophiolatry

9.9
A religion in which people worship snakes as gods
  • noun
  • /ˌoʊfiˈɑːlətri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ofidiosofía
  • The ancient Egyptians practiced ophiolatry to honor their snake gods.

Examples

  • Many ancient cultures practiced ophiolatry, seeing snakes as symbols of fertility, healing, or protection.

  • The archaeologist presented evidence of ophiolatry after finding snake figurines and temple inscriptions.

  • Some Hindu traditions include elements of ophiolatry in their festivals and ritual art.

  • In some cultures, ophiolatry is considered a sacred tradition.

  • Many ancient cultures practiced ophiolatry, seeing snakes as symbols of fertility and protection.

  • The archaeologist discovered artifacts suggesting that ophiolatry was a common practice in the region.

  • In ancient times, rituals involving ophiolatry often featured snake idols as central elements.

Synonyms

serpent-worship
vsophiolatry
9.9

A religious practice of treating snakes as gods

has identical meaning but is the older or more technical term

Surface Forms

ophiolatry singular
ophiolatries plural

Morphology

ophiolatry = ophio + latry

Built from learned Greek combining forms (ophio- 'snake' + -latry 'worship') that are technical and not transparently understood by average learners.

Etymology

Ophiolatry comes from Greek parts ophi- 'snake' and -latry 'worship', with the same 'worship' part you see in idolatry. So ophiolatry means the worship of snakes, which explains its use for religious or ritual snake worship today.