n.
Pronunciation: ' kath-lik, ' ka-th ə -
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English catholik, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French catholique, from Late Latin catholicus, from Greek katholikos universal, general, from katholou in general, from kata by + holos whole ― more at CATA- , SAFE
Date: 14th century
1 a often capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the church universal b often capitalized : of, relating to, or forming the ancient undivided Christian church or a church claiming historical continuity from it c capitalized : ROMAN CATHOLIC
2 : COMPREHENSIVE , UNIVERSAL especially : broad in sympathies, tastes, or interests <a catholic taste in music>
– ca · thol · i · cal · ly \ k ə - ' thä-li-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– ca · thol · i · cize \ - ' thä-l ə - ˌ s ī z \ verb