n. (pl. hypostases) 1 Med. an accumulation of fluid or blood in the lower parts of the body or organs under the influence of gravity, in cases of poor circulation. 2 Metaphysics an underlying substance, as opposed to attributes or to that which is unsubstantial. 3 Theol. a the person of Christ, combining human and divine natures. b each of the three persons of the Trinity. hypostasize v.tr. (also -ise) (in senses 1, 2).
[ eccl.L f. Gk hupostasis (as HYPO-, STASIS standing, state) ]