patristics

noun

pa·​tris·​tics pə-ˈtri-stiks How to pronounce patristics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: the study of the writings and background of the church fathers

Examples of patristics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patristics was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near patristics

Cite this Entry

“Patristics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patristics. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!