prostration

English

Etymology

From Latin prostratus.

Noun

prostration (countable and uncountable, plural prostrations)

1. The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying flat), as a sign of humility.
2. A part of the ordination of Catholic and Orthodox priests.

   The ordination ceremony includes a variety of rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., the prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, and sign of peace. — Diocese of Rochester, NY

3. Being laid face down (prone).
4. The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength.
5. A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures.
   • 1 March 2018, Tusdiq Din on BBC Sport, Mohamed Salah: Is Liverpool striker's success improving engagement with Muslim fans?

     Their faith can be seen in their mannerisms on the pitch - cupping hands in silent pre-kick-off prayer or prostration after hitting the back of the net.

Derived terms

• heat prostration
• nervous prostration

Synonyms

• sujud

Anagrams

• troop trains