ostensoir
/ɔs.tɑ̃.swaʁ/masculine
The French word for monstrance is ostensoir.
An ostensoir refers to an ornamental receptacle in which the consecrated host is placed for Eucharistic adoration.
Meaning: ornamental receptacle in which the consecrated host is placed for Eucharistic adoration (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ostensoir is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɔs.tɑ̃.swaʁ/. It has three syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word ostensoir shares a root with the English word 'ostentatious', as both come from the Latin word for 'showing'.
- During the French Revolution, many ostensoirs were melted down for their gold and silver, leading to a scarcity of pre-18th-century examples in many French parishes.
- In many French traditions, the ostensoir is crafted in a 'sunburst' shape to visually represent Christ as the 'sun of justice'.
Examples in context
- L'ostensoir est en or.The monstrance is made of gold.
- Il a placé l'ostensoir sur l'autel.He placed the monstrance on the altar.
- Regardez cet ostensoir magnifique.Look at this magnificent monstrance.
Example conversation
A museum exhibit featuring religious artifacts.
- LéaEst-ce que cet ostensoir est très ancien ?Is this monstrance very old?
- LucasOui, il date du dix-neuvième siècle.Yes, it dates from the nineteenth century.
- LéaIl est vraiment beau, Lucas.It is truly beautiful, Lucas.
- LucasJe suis d'accord avec toi, Léa.I agree with you, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monstrance” translations and entries ostensoir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ostensoir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
