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Glite Dictionary
stigmata

stigmata

9 9.9
Marks like the wounds of Christ that appear on a person's body and are seen as a miracle
  • noun
  • /ˈstɪɡmətə/
  • Literature
translation icon : estigmas
  • Many believe that the appearance of stigmata indicates that a person is chosen by God.
  • physical stigmata

In fact, you know people know about Saint Francis's stigmata.

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Examples

  • According to Christian tradition, the stigmata are marks that resemble the wounds of Christ's crucifixion.

  • Padre Pio received the stigmata on September 20, 1918, after administering a two-hour Eucharist.

    Fiction book (2002)

  • - How many have received the stigmata ?

    End of Days (1999)

  • Did you check for stigmata?

    The Last Time I Committed Suicide (1997)

  • Stigmata are a sign, a mark indicating one is touched by God.

    The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

  • The climax of Francis's hagiography occurs in his reception of the stigmata in the last years of his life.

    Academic text (2008)

  • In traditional Christian imagery, stigmata are signs of the repetition of Christ's suffering, holy marks of the imitatio Christi.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Several developed stigmata—actual bruises or welts—as if in response to these invisible assaults.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Saint Francis of Assisi is famous for having received the stigmata, making him a symbol of holiness.

Surface Forms

stigmata singular
stigmatum plural

Morphology

stigmata = stigma (transparent) = stigma + ta

Stigmata is the (irregular/borrowed) plural of 'stigma', so the meaning is the direct plural of the singular; the relation is clear though the Greek plural ending -ta is not productive in modern English.

Etymology

Stigmata comes from the Greek word stigma, meaning 'a mark' or 'a brand made by a sharp tool'. That's why stigmata means the marks or wounds people say appear on saints' bodies and copy the wounds of Christ.