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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Foley has six children of his own and is a professor of patristics (the study of early Christian writers) at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. —

Maureen Mackey, Fox News, 19 June 2022

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'patristics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of patristics was in 1847

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Patristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patristics. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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