transubstantiation

/ˌˈtræntsəbˈstæntʃiˌeɪʃən/

Other forms: transubstantiations

Transubstantiation is a kind of mystical, unexplainable change in form, substance, or appearance. Medieval alchemists attempted the transubstantiation of lead into gold (unfortunately for them, that's not physically possible).

In some Christian teachings, particularly those of Roman Catholicism, transubstantiation is what happens ordinary bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. To believers, although the food and drink appear to be the same after being consecrated by a priest, their true substance has transformed. This word comes from the Latin roots trans, "across or beyond," and substania, "substance."

Definitions of transubstantiation

1. noun

   an act that changes the form or character or substance of something
   synonyms: transmutation

   type of:

   conversion

   the act of changing from one use or function or purpose to another
2. noun

   the Roman Catholic doctrine that the whole substance of the bread and the wine changes into the substance of the body and blood of Christ when consecrated in the Eucharist
   type of:

   theological doctrine

   the doctrine of a religious group