Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

ousia

noun
Save Word
ou·​sia | \ ˈüzēə, ˈüsēə, ˈüzh(ē)ə, ˈüsh(ē)ə \
plural -s

Definition of ousia

1 : true being : entity, essence, substance
2 : hypostasis sense 2a

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!

First Known Use of ousia

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ousia

Greek, from ous- (stem of ōn, present participle of einai to be) + -ia -y

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about ousia

Statistics for ousia

Cite this Entry

“Ousia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ousia. Accessed 19 Apr. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

Comments on ousia

What made you want to look up ousia? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

chlamys

Listen to the pronunciation of chlamys

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Flower Edition

  • shrubs having opposite leaves and showy clusters of usually sterile white pink or bluish flowers
  • Name that flower
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games