Paracelsus

P3A1R1A1C3E1L1S1U1S1
/ˌpæɹəˈsɛlsəs/

proper noun

The adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim, a Swiss thinker of the 16th century known for his pioneering scientific work and his research into the occult and alchemy.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. The adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim, a Swiss thinker of the 16th century known for his pioneering scientific work and his research into the occult and alchemy.

Origin

Coined before 1529, possibly before 1524. The name was likely a latinization based on celsus (“high, tall”) as a calque of German Hohenheim. However, it was interpreted as the claim of "surpassing (παρά) Celsus" from an early time.

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

French Paracelse
  • ParacelseThe adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
German Paracelsus
  • ParacelsusThe adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
Greek Παράκελσος
  • Παράκελσος (Parákelsos)The adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
Italian Paracelso
  • ParacelsoThe adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
Latin Paracelsus
  • ParacelsusThe adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
Portuguese Paracelso
  • ParacelsoThe adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
Spanish Paracelso
  • ParacelsoThe adopted name of Philippus von Hohenheim
Cite this entry
APA

Paracelsus. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Paracelsus

MLA

“Paracelsus.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Paracelsus. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Paracelsus,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Paracelsus.

Source: Paracelsus on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.