hostia

host (Eucharist)

noun OH-styah Rare

Origin: From Latin hostia (sacrificial victim), reflecting the theological meaning of the consecrated bread.

Usage Note

Hostia in religious use means the consecrated communion wafer. In Spain it has also become a very common vulgar interjection or intensifier — roughly equivalent to 'damn' or 'hell' — covering surprise, pain, or emphasis. Its register is strongly informal/vulgar; learners should be aware of this dual life before using it outside a religious context.

Examples

"El sacerdote elevó la hostia durante la misa."

Natural Translation

The priest elevated the host during the Mass.

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