1. the underlying substance or essential nature of something
Usage: philosophy
2. each of the three persons of the Trinity in Christian theology
Usage: theology
3. the accumulation of blood in lower parts of the body due to gravity
Usage: medicine

Examples

• The philosopher argued that the hypostasis of beauty exists independently of particular beautiful objects.
• In Christian doctrine, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct hypostases of one divine essence.
• The medical examiner noted hypostasis in the lower extremities of the deceased.
• Ancient Greek thinkers debated whether ideas had their own hypostasis.
• The theological concept of hypostasis helped early Christians understand the Trinity.
• Forensic investigators use patterns of hypostasis to determine time and position of death.