Mass

Definition

Mass is a noun, verb, and adjective. As a noun, it refers to a large body of matter, a quantity of something, or a religious ceremony in the Christian tradition. As a verb, it means to gather together into a large group. As an adjective, it describes something involving or affecting a large number of people or things.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mæs/
• Respelling: MASS

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /mæs/
• Respelling: MASS

Etymology

The word "mass" originates from Latin "massa," meaning "lump" or "bulk," which came from the Greek "maza," meaning "barley cake" or "kneaded dough." In Christian contexts, it derives from Late Latin "missa," meaning "dismissal," referring to the concluding words of the Eucharistic ceremony.

Derivatives

• Massive (adjective)
• Massiveness (noun)
• Massless (adjective)
• Massify (verb)
• Massed (verb, past tense)

Synonyms

• Bulk
• Magnitude
• Congregation

Antonyms

• Fragment
• Individual
• Singularity

Usage

The term "mass" is used in various contexts, including physics, religion, and sociology. For example, "The mass of the object was calculated using its volume and density," "They attended Sunday Mass," and "A mass of people gathered at the square."

Related Terms

• Volume: The amount of space occupied by a substance or object.
• Density: The degree of compactness of a substance.
• Congregation: A group of people gathered together, often for religious worship.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A large body of matter: Refers to the physical quantity of matter in an object.
  • Example: "The Earth has a significant mass compared to the Moon."
• A large quantity or number: Refers to an aggregate or collection of things.
  • Example: "The mass of paperwork was overwhelming."
• A Christian religious ceremony: Refers to the Eucharistic service in Christian tradition.
  • Example: "They celebrated Mass on Christmas morning."

Verb

• To gather together into a large group: Describes the action of forming a crowd or collection.
  • Example: "Protesters massed in front of the government building."

Adjective

• Involving or affecting a large number of people or things: Describes events, media, or actions that have widespread impact.
  • Example: "Mass communication revolutionized information sharing."