precommunion
|pre-com-mu-nion|
/priːkəˈmjuːnjən/
before (the) sharing (of Communion)
Etymology
'precommunion' originates from Latin and Modern English elements: the prefix 'pre-' (from Latin 'prae') meaning 'before', combined with 'communion' (from Latin 'communio').
'pre-' (from Latin 'prae') has been used in English as a productive prefix since Old and Middle English; 'communion' came into English via Old French 'communion' from Latin 'communio' (from 'communis'). The compound 'precommunion' is a Modern English formation combining the prefix with the noun 'communion'.
Initially the elements meant 'before' and 'sharing/union'; over time the compound has been specialized to mean 'before the sacrament of Holy Communion' in Christian contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the time, rites, or preparations immediately before receiving the Christian sacrament of Holy Communion.
The parish offered a short precommunion prayer and instruction for first-time communicants.
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Adjective 1
occurring or provided before the act of receiving Communion; preparatory to Communion.
They held a precommunion meditation for all congregants before the ceremony.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 11:56