Noun
/pate̝na/
The term "patena" refers to a plate or dish, prominently used in a religious context to describe a small, shallow plate, often made of metal, used to hold the Eucharist in Christian liturgies. It is also possible to see its use in more general contexts to refer to any shallow dish or plate.
In Spanish, "patena" is used primarily in clerical contexts, given its association with religious practices, especially in Catholicism. Its usage frequency is more common in written contexts, such as religious texts or formal discussions, while it is less frequently encountered in everyday oral conversation.
El sacerdote colocó la hostia en la patena antes de comenzar la misa.
Translation: The priest placed the host on the paten before starting the mass.
Durante la ceremonia, las patenas fueron pasadas a los fieles.
Translation: During the ceremony, the patens were passed to the congregation.
La patena se utilizó para recoger las migajas del altar.
Translation: The paten was used to collect the crumbs from the altar.
While "patena" is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, its significance in religious context provides opportunities for a few expressions related to faith and spirituality.
Prestar mi patena a la iglesia.
Translation: To lend my paten (dish) to the church.
(Meaning: To contribute something valuable to the community or a cause.)
Su corazón es más grande que una patena.
Translation: His heart is bigger than a paten.
(Meaning: Referring to someone extremely generous or kind-hearted.)
Caer en la patena.
Translation: To fall into the paten.
(Meaning: To fall into a situation of great importance or seriousness.)
The word "patena" comes from the Latin word "patina," which means "shallow dish" or "pan." The Latin term is related to the word "patere," meaning "to spread" or "to open," which reflects the dish's flat, open structure.
Synonyms: - Plato - Tazón (for broader context) - Recipiente (container)
Antonyms: - Tapa (lid) - Cúbico (cube) - in the context of shape
In clerical usage, synonyms may include various terms for liturgical vessels, whereas antonyms may encompass any vessel that encloses rather than spreads out.