Meaning & use
Pontifex
Last updated
A high priest, especially one of the ancient Roman college of priests, or the pope in Catholic tradition.
See it in a sentence
The Pontifex Maximus held the highest religious authority in ancient Rome.
Historians study the role of the pontifex in shaping Roman state religion.
A note on using this word
Latin for 'bridge-builder'; the title survives today in 'pontiff,' used for the pope.
Words with a similar meaning
high priestpontiff
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