chrism

/ˈkɹɪz(ə)m/

Etymology

From Middle English crisme, from Late Old English crisma, from Medieval Latin crisma, from Ecclesiastical Latin chrisma, from Ancient Greek χρῖσμα (khrîsma, “anointing”, “unction”), from χρίω (khríō, “anoint”).

chrism means A mixture of oil and balm, consecrated for use as an anointing fluid in certain Christian ceremonies, especially confirmation. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.

chrism is pronounced /ˈkɹɪz(ə)m/.

Why “chrism” is a great word

CHRISM — [Noun] A consecrated mixture of oil and balm used for anointing in Christian sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and holy orders. From Middle English *crisme*, from Old English *crisma*, from Medieval Latin *crisma*, from Ecclesiastical Latin *chrisma*, from Ancient Greek χρῖσμα (*khrîsma*, "anointing, unction"), from χρίω (*khríō*, "to anoint"). Unlike "myrrh" (a specific aromatic resin) or "ointment" (a general medicinal salve), chrism is the complete, ritually hallowed substance, its purpose transcendent. It is the gloss on an infant’s forehead at the font, the bishop’s thumb tracing a cross on the confirmand’s brow, and the solemn anointing of hands ordained for sacred duty—the tangible scent of grace made manifest, a physical memory of a touch meant to be indelible.

noun

A mixture of oil and balm, consecrated for use as an anointing fluid in certain Christian ceremonies, especially confirmation.“A reinforcement of fresh troops staggered in, one man soaked and dripping, his hair sticky with the chrism of poured beer, another with his pockets crammed with sauce-bottles.”