Meaning & use

stigmata

noun·Advanced

Marks or wounds resembling those of the crucified Christ, said to appear on a devout believer's body.

See it in a sentence

Some medieval saints were said to bear stigmata on their hands, feet, and side.

Historians remain divided over whether the reported stigmata had a genuine spiritual cause.

A note on using this word

Stigmata is the plural of stigma in this specific religious sense and is almost always used in its plural form.

Words with a similar meaning

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