Photian

adjective

Pho·​tian

ˈfōsh(ē)ən

: of or relating to the patriarch Photius noted for precipitating an early schism between the Eastern and Western churches by challenging the claim of the Roman see to supremacy and charging the Latin churches with heretical innovations (as the credal phrase "and the son")

Word History

Etymology

Photius †a.d. 891 Patriarch of Constantinople + English -an

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!