Rune: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿช„
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rune

 

[ ruหn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical script

A rune is a letter in a set of related alphabets used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet. Runes were primarily used in Northern Europe, especially in Scandinavia, and were often associated with magic and divination.

Synonyms

character, glyph, symbol

Examples of usage

  • The Viking inscriptions contain many runes.
  • She found an ancient rune carved into the stone.
  • Runes were thought to have mystical properties.
  • Archaeologists discovered a stone with runes on it.
Context #2 | Noun

magical symbol

In modern usage, a rune can also refer to a symbol that is believed to hold magical significance and is often used in various forms of divination or witchcraft.

Synonyms

charm, sigil, talisman

Examples of usage

  • The witch used runes to cast her spell.
  • He read the runes to predict the future.
  • Many practitioners of Wicca utilize runes in their rituals.
  • She drew a rune on the parchment for protection.

Translations

Translations of the word "rune" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น runa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฐเฅ‚เคฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Rune

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ rune

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ัƒะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ runa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒซใƒผใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rune

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ runa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท rune

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฃฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฑูˆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ runy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ runy

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฌฆๆ–‡

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ runa

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรบn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ัƒะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒฃแƒแƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ runa

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ runa

Word origin

The term 'rune' originates from the Proto-Germanic word *rลซna, which means 'secret' or 'mystery.' This is fitting, as runes were often used in contexts that evoked esoteric knowledge or magical practices. The earliest recorded use of runes dates back to around the 2nd to 3rd century AD, with the adoption of the Elder Futhark, the oldest form of the runic alphabet. Runes not only represented sounds but were also imbued with a rich symbolism tied to the mythological world of the Germanic peoples. Over time, different variations of the runic alphabet developed, including the Younger Futhark used by the Vikings. Runes were frequently engraved on stone monuments, weapons, and personal items, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes. They have captured the imagination of modern enthusiasts, and today, runes are often associated with neo-paganism and various alternative spiritual practices.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,954, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.