Synod

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsɪn.É™d/

Origin

Ancient Greek σύνοδος (sunodos, "assembly, meeting"), from σύν (sun, "with") (English syn-) + ὁδός (hodos, "way, path").

Full definition of synod

Noun

1. An ecclesiastic council or meeting to consult on church matters.
2. An administrative division of churches, either the entire denomination, as in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, or a mid-level division (middle judicatory, district) as in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
3. An assembly or council having civil authority; a legislative body.
• ShakespeareIt hath in solemn synods been decreed.
• DrydenParent of gods and men, propitious Jove! And you, bright synod of the powers above.
4. (astronomy) A conjunction of two or more of the heavenly bodies.

Usage notes

Usage differs between different churches – see Synod#Uses in different Communions.

Derived terms

• general synod
• synodal
• synodic

Hypernyms

• council

Anagrams

• dynos, dyons