1. the vital spirit, soul, or creative force of a person
Usage: philosophy; theology
2. breath, especially as the source of life
Usage: archaic; literary

Examples

• Ancient Greek philosophers debated the nature of pneuma as the animating principle of life.
• The Stoics believed pneuma was the divine breath that pervaded all things.
• In early Christian theology, pneuma referred to the Holy Spirit.
• The concept of pneuma influenced medieval theories about the soul.
• Pneuma was thought to be the substance that connected body and mind.
• The physician studied ancient texts about pneuma and its role in health.