ˈyük(ə)rə̇st noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
Etymology: Middle English eukarist, from Middle French eucariste, from Late Latin eucharistia, from Greek, Eucharist, giving of thanks, gratitude, from eucharistos grateful (from eu- + — assumed — charistos, verbal of Greek charizesthai to show favor, from charis favor, grace) + -ia -y
1.
a. : the sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; specifically : a central rite in many Christian churches in which bread and wine are consecrated by the officiating clergyman, shared with the people, and consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ — called also Communion, Holy Communion
b. : the consecrated elements of bread and wine
2.
a. : an act of giving thanks
b. : an act of worship in which thanksgiving is central
3. Christian Science : spiritual communion with God