CultureAugust 31, 2026

transubstantiation

TRAN-sub-stan-shee-AY-shun

Definition

The Christian doctrine that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist are changed into the literal body and blood of Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the Medieval Latin 'transubstantiatio,' which combines 'trans-' (across/change) and 'substantia' (substance), referring to the theological change in the underlying essence of an element.

In the news

The article uses this term to describe a specific Catholic dogma that Kenny questioned, noting that it relies on complex Aristotelian metaphysical distinctions.

Sir Anthony Kenny obituary

Read the full article ↗

The Guardian

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