noun

aspergillum

as-per-JIL-um

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Aspergillum (noun) means a brush or perforated rod-shaped implement used in Christian worship for sprinkling holy water. Example: “The priest dipped the aspergillum in the bowl before sprinkling the congregation with holy water.”

noun

Christianity A brush or perforated rod-shaped implement used in Christian worship for sprinkling holy water.

"The priest dipped the aspergillum in the bowl before sprinkling the congregation with holy water."

"An aspergillum hung beside the font in the old church."

"Some aspergillums look like small brushes, while others resemble a perforated rod."

How to use aspergillum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn aspergillum is the tool a priest uses to sprinkle holy water.

When to use it

Aspergillum is a specialist, formal term confined mainly to Christian liturgical contexts.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with Aspergillus, the unrelated name of a genus of mold.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Aspergillus

Common pairings

dip the aspergillum sprinkle with an aspergillum an aspergillum and holy water bless with an aspergillum

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The priest dipped the _____ in the bowl before sprinkling the congregation with holy water.

Etymology

Aspergillum comes from Ecclesiastical Latin, where it derives from the verb aspergo, meaning to sprinkle.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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holy water sprinkler

Frequently asked questions

What is an aspergillum used for?

It is used in Christian worship to sprinkle holy water, for example over a congregation or an object being blessed.

What is the plural of aspergillum?

Both aspergilla and aspergillums are accepted plural forms.

Where does the word aspergillum come from?

It comes from Ecclesiastical Latin, ultimately from the verb aspergo, meaning to sprinkle.

What is the meaning of aspergillum?

"aspergillum" (noun) means a brush or perforated rod-shaped implement used in Christian worship for sprinkling holy water.