An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An imaginary intelligent entity introduced in several → thought experiments, such as → Laplace’s demon and → Maxwell’s demon.

Etymology (EN): From L. dæmon “spirit,” from Gk. daimon “deity, fate, fortune.”

Etymology (PE): Pari “a good genius, a fairy,” from Mid.Pers. parîk “sorceress, witch;” from Av. pairikā- “sorceress, witch.”