communion plate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, liturgical, ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “communion plate” mean?
A metal or ceramic plate used in Christian liturgical services to hold the consecrated bread (the Eucharist) during Holy Communion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A metal or ceramic plate used in Christian liturgical services to hold the consecrated bread (the Eucharist) during Holy Communion.
A sacred vessel in Christian worship specifically designated for holding the communion wafers before, during, and after their consecration. It is sometimes called a 'paten' in more formal or high-church contexts. The term emphasises the object's ritual function rather than its specific liturgical name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, but British English is more likely to use the term in broader Protestant contexts (e.g., Methodist, United Reformed Church). American English may use it in low-church Anglican/Episcopalian or generic Protestant descriptions. The technical term 'paten' is universally used in formal Catholic and high-church Anglican/Episcopal contexts in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries strong religious and ceremonial connotations. It implies a sacred object used in a specific ritual. It is neutral but respectful.
Frequency
Low frequency in general corpora; high frequency within religious and liturgical texts and communities. Approximately equal frequency in UK and US religious publications.
Grammar
How to Use “communion plate” in a Sentence
The deacon held [the communion plate] steadily.The wafers were arranged neatly on [the communion plate].They polished [the silver communion plate] before the service.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communion plate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
American English
- (Not applicable as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
American English
- (Not applicable as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable as a standard adjective. Possible attributive use: 'the communion-plate polisher')
American English
- (Not applicable as a standard adjective. Possible attributive use: 'communion plate care')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in theological studies, liturgical history, and religious anthropology when describing ritual objects and practices.
Everyday
Very rare in everyday conversation outside of churchgoing communities. Used when explaining church rituals or describing objects in a church.
Technical
The precise technical term is 'paten'. 'Communion plate' is a functional description used in instructions for worship, church inventories, or less formal liturgical guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communion plate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “communion plate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communion plate”
- Using 'communion plate' to refer to the plate for collecting monetary offerings (which is an 'offering plate' or 'collection plate').
- Confusing it with the 'chalice' (for wine).
- Capitalising it incorrectly (not a proper noun unless part of a specific title).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. A communion plate holds the consecrated bread for the Eucharist. A collection plate (or offering plate/basin) is used to collect monetary donations during a service.
In most traditional Christian denominations, liturgical rules recommend or require the communion plate (paten) to be made from a precious or noble material like silver, gold, or pewter, as a sign of respect for the sacrament. Simpler materials may be used in some communities.
'Paten' is the specific, formal liturgical term used in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican/Episcopal churches for the plate that holds the Eucharistic bread. 'Communion plate' is a more general, descriptive term understood across various Protestant traditions.
Typically, no. The priest or minister usually takes a wafer from the plate and places it in the communicant's hand or on their tongue. In some very informal traditions, communicants might take a piece of bread directly from the plate, but this is less common.
A metal or ceramic plate used in Christian liturgical services to hold the consecrated bread (the Eucharist) during Holy Communion.
Communion plate is usually formal, liturgical, ecclesiastical in register.
Communion plate: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈmjuːnjən pleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈmjunjən pleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. Related liturgical idiom: 'to receive from the plate'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COMMUNity sharing a meal from a single PLATE during a special UNION (communion) ceremony.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SACRED IS SEPARATE (from the profane): The communion plate is a designated object, set apart for a holy purpose, metaphorically representing the separation of the sacred ritual from everyday life.
Practice
Quiz
What is a more formal, technical synonym for 'communion plate'?