Main Entry:

cath·o·lic

Pronunciation:

\ˈkath-lik, ˈka-thə-\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English catholik, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French catholique, from Late Latin catholicus, from Greek katholikos universal, general, from katholou in general, from kata by + holos whole — more at cata-, safe

Date:

14th century

1 aoften capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the church universal boften capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the ancient undivided Christian church or a church claiming historical continuity from it ccapitalized : roman catholic2: comprehensive, universal ; especially : broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests <a catholic taste in music>

— ca·thol·i·cal·ly \kə-ˈthä-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— ca·thol·i·cize \-ˈthä-lə-ˌsīz\ verb