Ethereal

Ethereal in the Diablo universe are items or entities that either belongs entirely or partly to the Ethereal plane, making the item or entity appear transparent, or sometimes appears otherworldly.

In Diablo Games

Diablo III

There are currently no known associations with the word "Ethereal" and gameplay mechanics.

=Diablo II & Diablo I

In the older Diablo games, "Ethereal" is primarily associated with the attribute of some Diablo II items that are called specifically ethereal. These items generally have greater quality than other items, like striking harder, but can not be repaired from wear and tear. There are ways to make an item invulnerable, which is the only way to use ethereal item longer than the durability would allow.

Lore

Technically, Wraiths and other similar incorporeal undead should be ethereal beings as well, but whether or not this holds true, or if their ectoplasmic content possibly works different on Sanctuary is unknown.

What Does "Ethereal" Mean?

To quote the dictionary:

1 a : of or relating to the regions beyond the earth
b : celestial, heavenly
c : unworldly, spiritual
2 a : lacking material substance : immaterial, intangible

Not that any of this really matters in the game, it's just a cool word Bliz chose to fit the idea of bonus/no-repair weapons.

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