Efrits

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Supernatural entities from Middle Eastern folklore known for immense power and fiery nature ; alternate spelling for a class of spirits or demons in Islamic mythology
2. Mythical beings depicted as fierce, powerful spirits or demons from Arabic tradition ; variant spelling representing legendary creatures featured in Islamic and Middle Eastern tales
3. Legendary supernatural creatures associated with fire and strength in Islamic lore ; alternative spelling for spirits or demons often found in Arabian myths

Etymology: "Efrits" is the plural of "efrit," a fiery demon of Arabic folklore. The singular form, "efrit," is the word that carries the etymology: it came into English from Arabic, where "'ifrīt" names a powerful and malicious spirit of pre-Islamic and later Arabic tradition, often imagined as a giant with fire in its nature. English speakers mostly met the figure through translations of the "Arabian Nights," where efrits appear as dangerous supernatural beings bound to lamps, rings and bottles, which is why the word tends to call up genies rather than devils.

Synonyms: ifrits, genies, djinn