patristics

noun

pa·tris·tics pə-ˈtri-stiks

plural in form but singular in construction

: the study of the writings and background of the church fathers

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of patristics was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Patristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patristics. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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