chrism

/'krizm/

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Word: Chrism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Chrism is a special type of holy oil that is used in certain religious ceremonies. It is made from a mixture of oil and balsam, which is a fragrant substance. This oil is often blessed by a bishop and is used in rituals like baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations in Christian traditions.

Usage Instructions:

• Chrism is usually used in a religious context.
• It is often referred to in discussions about Christian sacraments or ceremonies.

Example Sentence:

• "During the baptism, the priest applied chrism to the baby's forehead as a sign of blessing."

Advanced Usage:

• In some Christian denominations, chrism is associated with the idea of anointing and is considered a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
• It may also be used in discussions about the sacraments of the church.

Word Variants:

• Christening (related noun; refers to the ceremony of baptism)
• Anointing (related verb; the act of applying oil, such as chrism)

Different Meanings:

• While chrism specifically refers to the blessed oil, the word "anoint" can refer to the act of applying oil in various contexts, not just religious.

Synonyms:

• Anointing oil (general term for any oil used in anointing)
• Sacred oil (another term for oil used in religious ceremonies)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "chrism," but it can be part of phrases like "to be anointed with chrism," meaning to be blessed or set apart for a special purpose.

Summary:

Chrism is a special, blessed oil used in Christian rituals. It symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit and is important in various sacraments.

Academic

Noun

1. a consecrated ointment consisting of a mixture of oil and balsam

Synonyms

• chrisom
• sacramental oil
• holy oil