(in the philosophy of Plato) the creator of the universe
b.
(in Gnostic and some other philosophies) the creator of the universe, supernatural but subordinate to the Supreme Being
2.
(in ancient Greece) a magistrate with varying powers found in any of several states
Derived forms
demiurgeous (ˌdemiˈurgeous) or demiurgic (ˌdemiˈurgic) or demiurgical (ˌdemiˈurgical)
adjective
demiurgically (ˌdemiˈurgically)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from Church Latin dēmiūrgus, from Greek dēmiourgos skilled workman, literally: one who works for the people, from dēmos people + ergon work
demiurge in American English
(ˈdɛmiˌɜrdʒ)
noun
1. [oftenD-]
a.
in Platonism, a deity or creative force that shaped the material world
b.
in Gnosticism, a deity subordinate to the supreme deity, sometimes considered the creator of evil
2.
a ruling force or creative power
Derived forms
demiurgic (ˌdemiˈurgic) (ˈdɛmiˈɜrdʒɪk)
adjective or ˌdemiˈurgical
Word origin
Gr dēmiourgos, one who works for the people, skilled workman, creator < dēmios, belonging to the people < demos, the people: see democracy) + -ergos, worker (see work)