DEMIURGE

demiurge

(noun) a subordinate deity, in some philosophies the creator of the universe

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

demiurge (plural demiurges)

(Platonic philosophy) The (usually benevolent) being that created the universe out of primal matter.

(Gnosticism) A (usually jealous or outright malevolent) being who is inferior to the supreme being, and sometimes seen as the creator of evil.

(figuratively) Something (such as an idea, individual or institution) conceived as an autonomous creative force or decisive power.

(historical, Ancient Greece) The title of a magistrate in a number of states of Ancient Greece, and in the city states (poleis) of the Achaean League.

Usage notes

The word is capitalized as Demiurge when used as a name; however, in practice capitalization is inconsistent.

Etymology

Proper noun

Demiurge

(Platonism) The subordinate being that fashions the perceptible world in the light of eternal ideas.

(gnosticism) A prideful, inferior being that creates the material world; frequently identified with the creator God of the Hebrew Bible.

Source: Wiktionary

Dem"i*urge, n. Etym: [Gr. dhmioyrgo`s a worker for the people, a workman, especially the marker of the world, the Creator; dh`mios belonging to the people (fr. dh^mos the people) + 'e`rgon a work.]

1. (Gr. Antiq.)

Definition: The chief magistrate in some of the Greek states.

2. God, as the Maker of the world.

3. According to the Gnostics, an agent or one employed by the Supreme Being to create the material universe and man.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition