kathisma

noun

ka·​this·​ma

variants or less commonly cathisma

ˈkȧthēzmə

plural kathismata

kȧˈthēzmətə

: one of the 20 sections into which the Psalter is divided for liturgical use in the Eastern Orthodox Church

Word History

Etymology

Middle Greek kathisma, from Greek, sinking, settling down, from kathizein to seat, sit down, from kata- cata- + hizein to seat; akin to Greek hezesthai to sit

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!