nepenthe

[prettygoodword]

nepenthe (ni-PEN-thee) - n., a drug described by ancient Greek writers as giving relief from or forgetfulness of grief; anything bringing forgetfulness of sorrow or pain, or a pleasurable dreaminess.


Mentioned in the Odyssey (iv.221), where it is brewed by Helen using a recipe she learned in Egypt. In the original it was nēpenthes (pharmakon), from ne-, not + penthos, pain, grief (+ drug), but when it was borrowed into English (in the 1590s) the -s was taken to indicate a plural and dropped to "form" a singular. Trippy, man.

---L.

Comments

[med_cat]

Fascinating etymology ;)

Brought to mind the only instance in my reading where I'd come across this word:

...Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

[prettygoodword.livejournal.com]

That is, indeed, an excellent usage example.

---L.

[med_cat]

:)