hermeneutic Interpretive or explanatory. From Greek hermeneutikos (of interpreting), from hermeneuein (to interpret), from hermeneus (interpreter). A term based on Hermes in Greek mythology, who served as a messenger and herald for other gods, and who himself was the god of eloquence, commerce, invention, cunning, and theft. Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/3567/