noun
Clarissa
kluh-RIH-suh
Clarissa (noun) means a nun of the Poor Clares order (a less common synonym for "Poor Clare"). Example: “She entered the convent and became a Clarissa.”
noun
1
A nun of the Poor Clares order (a less common synonym for "Poor Clare").
"The rule of Urban IV also clarified the nomenclature of the Clarissas, with the pope designating the group as the Order of St. Claire rather than Poor Ladies, or Poor Recluses, of San Damiano."
— Caroline A. Bruzelius, Queen Sancia of Mallorca and the Convent Church of Sta. Chiara in Naples (1995)
"She entered the convent and became a Clarissa."
"Following Francis' example, Clare founded an order of religious women known as the Poor Ladies of Assisi (like Francis' Poor Men), and later as the Clarissas or Poor Clares in her honor."
— Thomas Head, Clare of Assisi (1991)
How to use Clarissa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly familiar today as a given name; as a common noun it can also mean a nun of the Poor Clares.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like Clarissa.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- Clarissas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She entered the convent and became a _____.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin Clarissa, related to Latin clarus, "clear, bright" — also a well-known given name, popularised by Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel Clarissa.
Rhymes for Clarissa
See all rhymes for Clarissa →Frequently asked questions
What does “Clarissa” mean?
The word “Clarissa” means a nun of the Poor Clares order (a less common synonym for "Poor Clare"). In plain terms, mostly familiar today as a given name; as a common noun it can also mean a nun of the Poor Clares.
How do you pronounce “Clarissa”?
“Clarissa” is pronounced kluh-RIH-suh (/kləˈɹɪsə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Clarissa” in a sentence?
Here is “Clarissa” used in a sentence: “She entered the convent and became a Clarissa.”
What part of speech is “Clarissa”?
“Clarissa” is a noun.
Where does the word “Clarissa” come from?
The word “Clarissa” dates back to around 1748 and comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin Clarissa, related to Latin clarus, "clear, bright" — also a well-known given name, popularised by Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel Clarissa.
