Hypostasis
Pronunciation : Hy*pos"ta*sis
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L., fr. Gr. Hypo-, and Stand.]
Definition : 1. That which forms the basis of anything; underlying principle; a concept or mental entity conceived or treated as an existing being or thing.
2. (Theol.)
Defn: Substance; subsistence; essence; person; personality; -- used by the early theologians to denote any one of the three subdivisions of the Godhead, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Note: The Council of Alexandria (a.d. 362) defined hypostasis as synonymous with person. Schaff-Herzog.
3. Principle; an element; -- used by the alchemists in speaking of salt, sulphur, and mercury, which they considered as the three principles of all material bodies.
4. (Med.)
Defn: That which is deposited at the bottom of a fluid; sediment.
pl. Hypostases.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913