What does oscular mean?
Oscular is an uncommon adjective meaning “of or relating to a kiss.” Its principal specialized use is ecclesiastical: an oscular exchange refers to the kiss of peace, a traditional Christian greeting involving the exchange of a kiss, particularly during the celebration of the Eucharist. The word can also describe literary language concerned with kissing or with the expressive possibilities of the gesture. In modern English, it is primarily encountered in theological writing, historical studies, and formal or literary texts rather than in ordinary conversation. Its unusual vocabulary reflects its Latin ancestry: oscular comes through Latin osculum, a word used for a kiss and also for a small mouth or opening. The root survives in more familiar relatives such as osculate and osculation. Although uncommon, oscular is useful when precision matters, especially when distinguishing a physical kiss from ceremonial, symbolic, or devotional gestures associated with one.
adjectiveOf or relating to a kiss. In ecclesiastical usage, it refers specifically to the ritual exchange of the kiss of peace.
- Of or relating to a kiss or kissing.
- Specifically, of or relating to the ecclesiastical kiss of peace.
"The oscular exchange at the altar united Christians in a symbolic gesture of fellowship."
"The manuscript includes a number of oscular formulas used during the medieval dispute."
"The bishop offered the customary oscular greeting to the assembled congregation."
The Latin root behind “oscular” meant both “mouth” and “kiss,” making it a small reminder that a kiss can be a form of speech as well as an embrace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does oscular come from?
Oscular derives from Latin osculum, meaning “a kiss” and also “a small mouth” or “opening.” The word entered English through learned Latin usage, initially in theological contexts associated with the kiss of peace. Its relatives include the verb osculate, the noun osculation, and the adjective osculatory.
Related word forms
How oscular is actually used
A learned, uncommon word found chiefly in theological, liturgical, historical, and literary writing. It is not normally used in everyday conversation.