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Monstrance: meaning, definitions and examples

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monstrance

 

[ ˈmɒnstrəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious artifact

A monstrance is a specialized vessel used in the Roman Catholic Church to display the consecrated Eucharistic host during adoration or worship. It often features intricate designs and a glass case to protect the host, allowing the faithful to view it. The use of a monstrance emphasizes the reverence of the Eucharist as the body of Christ.

Synonyms

liturgical container, reliquary, sacramental vessel

Examples of usage

  • The priest carried the monstrance during the procession.
  • During the service, the monstrance was placed on the altar.
  • Children were taught about the significance of the monstrance in their catechism classes.
  • The church was beautifully decorated for the feast, with the monstrance at the center.
  • Eucharistic adoration began with the unveiling of the monstrance.

Translations

Translations of the word "monstrance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 monstrância

🇮🇳 प्रदर्शन यंत्र

🇩🇪 Monstranz

🇮🇩 monstransi

🇺🇦 монстрація

🇵🇱 monstrancja

🇯🇵 モンストランス

🇫🇷 monstrance

🇪🇸 monstrancia

🇹🇷 monstrans

🇰🇷 몬스트란스

🇸🇦 مُعَرِّضَة

🇨🇿 monstrance

🇸🇰 monstrancia

🇨🇳 圣体显现器

🇸🇮 monstranca

🇮🇸 monstrance

🇰🇿 монстранция

🇬🇪 მონსტრანსი

🇦🇿 monstrans

🇲🇽 monstrancia

Etymology

The word 'monstrance' derives from the Latin term 'monstrare,' which means 'to show' or 'to demonstrate.' This etymology reflects the primary function of the monstrance: to make visible the consecrated host, which is believed to be the body of Jesus Christ in Catholic theology. The use of monstrances can be traced back to the Medieval period, when they began to emerge as ornate vessels designed for the public display of the Eucharist during special liturgical ceremonies. Initially, simple structures were employed, but over time, they evolved into elaborate and artistic designs often adorned with precious metals and stones. The historical significance of the monstrance is immense in the Catholic Church, as it symbolizes the presence of Christ and the belief in the real presence in the Eucharist, making it central to practices of adoration and veneration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,722, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.