transubstantiation

noun

tran·​sub·​stan·​ti·​a·​tion ˌtran(t)-səb-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce transubstantiation (audio)
1
: the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox dogma the eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearances of bread and wine
2
: an act or instance of transubstantiating or being transubstantiated

Examples of transubstantiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web He is more drawn to an ethos of transubstantiation, in which things can become other things. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2023 The others involved denying the divinity of Jesus, denying the virgin birth, denying transubstantiation, practicing magic, and believing that animals and objects (including the Earth) possessed souls. Corey S. Powell, Discover Magazine, 10 Mar. 2014 The transubstantiation happening inside the fabs goes something like this. Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 21 Mar. 2023 It has been proposed that Serratia’sproclivity for starch may have contributed to the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, wherein the bread of the Eucharist represents the body of Christ. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2015 Her Catholic upbringing also made a deep impression, especially the mystical aspects of religion such as transubstantiation. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 20 May 2022 Lyrics are rich in Christian allusions to transubstantiation and the resurrection. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2022 Some bishops have expressed concern over Catholics' acceptance of the doctrine, citing a 2019 survey that found most church members don't believe in transubstantiation. Arkansas Online, 18 Nov. 2021 Some bishops have expressed concern over Catholics’ acceptance of the doctrine, citing a 2019 survey that found most church members don’t believe in transubstantiation. Peter Smith, chicagotribune.com, 17 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'transubstantiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of transubstantiation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near transubstantiation

Cite this Entry

“Transubstantiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transubstantiation. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

transubstantiation

noun
tran·​sub·​stan·​ti·​a·​tion ˌtran(t)s-əb-ˌstan-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce transubstantiation (audio)
: the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox belief the consecrated bread and wine at Mass become the body and blood of Christ while maintaining their appearance

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