PURGATORY

purgatory

(noun) (theology) in Roman Catholic theology the place where those who have died in a state of grace undergo limited torment to expiate their sins

purgatory

(noun) a temporary condition of torment or suffering; “a purgatory of drug abuse”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

purgatory (countable and uncountable, plural purgatories)

(Christianity) Alternative letter-case form of Purgatory

Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption.

Adjective

purgatory (comparative more purgatory, superlative most purgatory)

Tending to cleanse; expiatory.

Proper noun

Purgatory

(Christianity) An intermediate state after death in which some of those ultimately destined for Heaven must first undergo purification prior to entering Heaven.

Synonyms

See afterlife

Coordinate terms

• Heaven, Hell, Limbo; see also afterlife

Source: Wiktionary


Pur"ga*to*ry, a. Etym: [L. purgatorius.]

Definition: Tending to cleanse; cleansing; expiatory. Burke.

Pur"ga*to*ry, n. Etym: [Cf. F. purgatoire.]

Definition: A state or place of purification after death; according to the Roman Catholic creed, a place, or a state believed to exist after death, in which the souls of persons are purified by expiating such offenses committed in this life as do not merit eternal damnation, or in which they fully satisfy the justice of God for sins that have been forgiven. After this purgation from the impurities of sin, the souls are believed to be received into heaven.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

17 June 2024

SCOPOLAMINE

(noun) an alkaloid with anticholinergic effects that is used as a sedative and to treat nausea and to dilate the pupils in ophthalmic procedures; “transdermal scopolamine is used to treat motion sickness”; “someone sedated with scopolamine has difficulty lying”


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Coffee Trivia

There are four varieties of commercially viable coffee: Arabica, Liberica, Excelsa, and Robusta. Growers predominantly plant the Arabica species. Although less popular, Robusta tastes slightly more bitter and contains more caffeine.

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