prostration

name

1. The 32nd sura (chapter) of the Qur'an.

noun

Etymology: From Latin prōstrātiō, from prōstrātus, past participle of prōsternō.

1. The act or condition of prostrating oneself (lying face-down), as a sign of humility.
2. A part of the ordination of Catholic and Orthodox priests, in which the ordinand lies prostrate in a gesture of submission to the will of God.

   “The ordination ceremony includes a variety of rituals, rich in meaning and history, e.g., the prostration, laying on of hands, anointing of hands, giving of the chalice and paten, and sign of peace. — Diocese of Rochester, NY”

3. The state of lying face down (prone).
4. The condition of being prostrated, as from heat; complete loss of strength.

   “I slept after the prostration of the day, with a stringent and profound slumber which not even the nightmares that wrung me could avail to break.”

5. A reverential bow performed in Middle Eastern cultures.

   “Their faith can be seen in their mannerisms on the pitch – cupping hands in silent pre-kick-off prayer or prostration after hitting the back of the net.”