transubstantiate

[ tran-suhb-stan-shee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, tran·sub·stan·ti·at·ed, tran·sub·stan·ti·at·ing.

1. to change from one substance into another; transmute.
2. Theology. to change (the bread and wine) into the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

transubstantiate

/ ˌtrænsəbˈstænʃɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. intr RC theol (of the Eucharistic bread and wine) to undergo transubstantiation
2. tr to change (one substance) into another; transmute

Derived Forms

• ˌtransubˈstantial, adjective
• ˌtransubˈstantially, adverb

Other Words From

• transub·stantial adjective
• transub·stantial·ly adverb
• untran·sub·stanti·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transubstantiate¹

1400–50; v. use of late Middle English transsubstanciate (adj.) transubstantiated < Medieval Latin trānssubstantiātus, past participle of trānssubstantiāre. See trans-, substance, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of transubstantiate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin transsubstantiāre , from Latin trans- + substantia substance

Example Sentences

The pope can transubstantiate sin into duty, and duty into sin.

From Project Gutenberg

He also speaks of the effect of eating mutton being to "transubstantiate sheep into man."

From Project Gutenberg