transubstantiation

noun

tran·​sub·​stan·​ti·​a·​tion ˌtran(t)-səb-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈā-shən 

1

: the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox dogma the eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearances of bread and wine

2

: an act or instance of transubstantiating or being transubstantiated

Examples of transubstantiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The book stresses the importance of the sacraments and other orthodoxy, such as oral confession to a priest and the transubstantiation of Christ’s body and blood when taking communion. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026

Eerie in a way that feels more seductive than scary, the film isn’t bewitched by its demons so much as the process of transubstantiation by which a (self)tortured young woman can transform them into grace. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 June 2026

The idea that there is a certain breath of life involved in the production of honey suggests that its role in myth, prophecy, ritual, and education are due to some kind of transubstantiation, something divine in the substance. — Literary Hub, 12 June 2026

Duchamp was instrumental in this act of cultural transubstantiation. — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 11 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for transubstantiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

transubstantiation

noun

tran·​sub·​stan·​ti·​a·​tion ˌtran(t)s-əb-ˌstan-chē-ˈā-shən 

: the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox belief the consecrated bread and wine at Mass become the body and blood of Christ while maintaining their appearance