1. a spiritual force or influence often identified with a natural object, phenomenon, or place
Usage: formal; often used in religious or philosophical contexts
2. a creative energy or inspiring force
Usage: literary

Examples

• The ancient Romans believed each place had its own numen.
• She felt the numen of the forest as she walked among the towering trees.
• The poet sought the numen that would inspire his greatest work.
• Many cultures recognize a numen dwelling within sacred mountains.
• The artist claimed to channel some mysterious numen in her paintings.
• Local traditions spoke of a protective numen watching over the village.