Prostration

//pɹɒsˈtɹeɪʃən// name, noun

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    The 32nd sura (chapter) of the Qur'an.
Noun
  1. 1
    The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying face-down), as a sign of humility. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    the act of assuming a prostrate position wordnet
  3. 3
    A part of the ordination of Catholic and Orthodox priests, in which the ordinand lies prostrate in a gesture of submission to the will of God. countable, uncountable

    "The ordination ceremony includes a variety of rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., the prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, and sign of peace. — Diocese of Rochester, NY"

  4. 4
    abject submission; the emotional equivalent of prostrating your body wordnet
  5. 5
    The state of lying face down (prone). countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    an abrupt failure of function or complete physical exhaustion wordnet
  2. 7
    The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength. countable, uncountable

    "I slept after the prostration of the day, with a stringent and profound slumber which not even the nightmares that wrung me could avail to break."

  3. 8
    A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures. countable, uncountable

    "Their faith can be seen in their mannerisms on the pitch – cupping hands in silent pre-kick-off prayer or prostration after hitting the back of the net."

Etymology

From Latin prōstrātiō, from prōstrātus, past participle of prōsternō.

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