genie

ge-nie · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A supernatural spirit in Arabian and Islamic mythology, often depicted as capable of granting wishes to those who summon them.

  2. 2.

    A person with exceptional talent or magical ability to accomplish things.

Forms

plural: genies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    let the genie out of the bottle — to release something that cannot be controlled or reversed
  • •
    genie in a bottle — a powerful force that is contained but could be unleashed
  • •
    like a genie — appearing suddenly or magically

Related words

See also: djinn, magic, spirit, wish
Synonyms: djinn, jinn, spirit

Etymology

From French genie, influenced by Latin genius, but representing Arabic jinn (spirit, demon). The French translators of "The Thousand and One Nights" used genie because of its similarity to the Arabic word.