supersubstantial

English

Etymology

From super- +‎ substantial, after Latin supersubstantialis used by Jerome to render Ancient Greek ἐπιούσιος (epioúsios) in the Lord's Prayer. Introduced in English (where επιούσιος is otherwise rendered as "daily") by Thomas More in order to make a connection of the "daily bread" of the Lord's Prayer and the "heavenly and supersubstantial" bread of the eucharist.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

supersubstantial (not comparable)

1. More than substantial, transcending all substance; spiritual.
   • 1534, Thomas More, A Treatise on the Passion:

     That heauenlye and supersubstancyall breadde and cuppe, beyng consecrate with that solemne benediction, is profitable to the lyfe and saluacyon of the whole man.

   • 1852, John Brown, Discourse & Sayings our Lord, I. iv. 245:

     Give us the supersubstantial bread—the bread of life.

Translations

More than substantial; spiritual

• Indonesian: rohaniah (id)
• Malay: rohaniah