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Glite Dictionary
herma

herma

1 9.9
A square stone pillar with a carved head used as a boundary marker in ancient Greece
  • noun
  • /ˈhɜːrmə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : herma
  • A herma often featured a carved head of Hermes.

Examples

  • The ancient Greeks erected a herma at the entrance of their city.

  • In ancient Greece, travelers would often pass by a herma that marked the boundary of a property.

  • The archaeologist discovered a well-preserved herma near the ruins of the ancient city.

  • A herma stood at the crossroads, marking the boundary between two villages.

  • Visitors admired the detailed carving on the herma displayed in the museum.

  • The herma, adorned with a finely carved head, stood proudly at the entrance of the estate.

  • Archaeologists discovered a herma near the ruins, which was used to designate sacred land.

Synonyms

term
vsherma
  • Archaic
5 9.9

A carved statue or bust on top of a pillar that marks a boundary

is the Greek squared pillar form rather than the Roman version
herm
vsherma
  • Specialized
2 9.9

A square stone pillar with a carved head used to mark boundaries in ancient Greece

is the general Greek boundary pillar not tied to a single deity
stela
vsherma
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A tall stone with writing that honors a person or event from long ago

is a squared pillar topped with a carved head rather than a flat slab
obelus
vsherma
  • Archaic
9.9

A pointed stone pillar that marks a place

is a square pillar with a carved head rather than a pointed obelisk
meerestone
vsherma
  • Archaic
9.9

A pile of stones with a standing stone that marks a boundary

is a single carved square pillar with a head rather than a slab pile

How Ornate

statue
381 1.0
herma
  • Specialized
1 9.9
pillar
52 2.6
post
99 1.0

Surface Forms

herma singular
hermas plural

Etymology

Herma comes from ancient Greek herma, which meant 'a pile of stones' and became linked to the god Hermes, who watched over borders and travelers. So a herma is a square stone pillar with a carved head that served as a boundary marker.