prothesis

[ proth-uh-sis ]

noun

, plural proth·e·ses [proth, -, uh, -seez]

1. the addition of a sound or syllable at the beginning of a word, as in Spanish escala “ladder” from Latin scala.
2. Eastern Church.
   1. Also called proskomide. the preparation and preliminary oblation of the Eucharistic elements.
   2. the table on which this is done.
   3. the part of the sanctuary or bema where this table stands.
3. (often initial capital letter) Greek Antiquity. a representation of a dead person lying in state.

prothesis

/ ˈprɒθɪsɪs; prəˈθɛtɪk /

noun

1. a process in the development of a language by which a phoneme or syllable is prefixed to a word to facilitate pronunciation

   Latin ``scala'' gives Spanish ``escala'' by prothesis

2. Eastern Orthodox Church the solemn preparation of the Eucharistic elements before consecration

Derived Forms

• prothetic, adjective
• proˈthetically, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·thet·ic [pr, uh, -, thet, -ik], adjective
• pro·theti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prothesis¹

1665–75; < Late Latin < Greek próthesis a putting before. See pro- ², thesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of prothesis¹

C16: via Late Latin from Greek: a setting out in public, from pro- forth + thesis a placing

Example Sentences

They are provided with the most perfect prothesis apparatus, jointed artificial limbs.

From Project Gutenberg

It is covered either with a barrel or with a cross-groined vault, and communicates with the prothesis and the diaconicon.

From Project Gutenberg

The place of the prothesis has been taken by a similar door and a small Turkish dome.

From Project Gutenberg

The prothesis and diaconicon have barrel vaults and apses with three sides projecting slightly on the exterior.

From Project Gutenberg

At the east end a door, unsymmetrically placed, leads to the small chapel which was originally the prothesis.

From Project Gutenberg