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View synonyms for pontifex

pontifex

[ pon-tuh-feks ]

noun

, Roman Religion.
, plural pon·tif·i·ces [pon-, tif, -, uh, -seez].
  1. a member of the Pontifical College, which was presided over by a chief priest Pontifex Maximus.


pontifex

/ ˈpɒntɪˌfɛks /

noun

  1. (in ancient Rome) any of the senior members of the Pontifical College, presided over by the Pontifex Maximus
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of pontifex1

1570–80; < Latin: apparently literally, path-maker, equivalent to ponti- (stem of pōns ) bridge, probably originally, path ( pons ) + -fec- (combining form of facere to make) + -s nominative singular ending; the literal application is unclear
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pontifex1

C16: from Latin, perhaps from Etruscan but influenced by folk etymology as if meaning literally: bridge-maker, from pons bridge + -fex from facere to make
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Example Sentences

But Bibi didn't come to the “eternal city” just to preach to the pontifex about the persecution of Jews in Medieval Spain.

The Vestal virgins received especial honor, and were appointed by the Pontifex Maximus.

The highest religious officer of the state, the pontifex maximus, was from this time on elected by the Pontifical College.

Upon one an inscription was placed which tersely expressed the true state of the case: "Pontifex Colinii necem probat."

On the Pope has descended the name of their superior as ‘Pontifex Maximus.’

Pontifex, ut cteri Christiani principes, ipsos pro viribus juvent.

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Pontic Mountainspontiff