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Definition of extispex
extispex
/ˈɛkstɪˌspɛks/
ex · ti · spex
Plural:extispices
extispex Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Archaic
• noun
1
An official diviner in ancient Rome who foretold the future or determined the will of the gods by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals.
Example
"The emperor summoned the extispex to interpret the liver of the sacrificed bull before making a decision about the impending military campaign."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for extispexWord Nuance & Usage
Often used interchangeably with 'haruspex', though an extispex specifically focused on the inspection of entrails rather than broader omens like lightning or the flight of birds.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'extispex', formed from 'exta' (entrails) and 'specere' (to look at or observe).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Extispex. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/extispex