theophany

noun

the·oph·a·ny thē-ˈä-fə-nē

plural theophanies

: a visible manifestation of a deity

theophanic

ˌthē-ə-ˈfa-nik

adjective

Examples of theophany in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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The winged trio is said by some to symbolize the Holy Trinity and is an elegant example of theophany, or the appearance of a deity, in a painting. —

Mary Norris, Town & Country, 2 Dec. 2013

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin theophania, from Late Greek theophaneia, from Greek the- + -phaneia (as in epiphaneia appearance) — more at epiphany

First Known Use

circa 1633, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of theophany was circa 1633

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Theophany.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theophany. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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