Definition

Proper noun 1. The Evangelist and author of the third Gospel: A figure in the New Testament, traditionally identified as the companion of the Apostle Paul and the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. 2. A saint in Christian tradition: Venerated as a saint, a physician, and a symbol of learning and the arts.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Gospel of St. Luke contains many parables not found in the other Gospels.
  • St. Luke is often depicted in art with an ox, his traditional symbol.
  • Many hospitals are named after St. Luke, the patron saint of physicians.

Advanced Usage

• "St. Luke's Summer": A British term for a period of fine, warm weather occurring around October 18th (St. Luke's feast day).
  • We enjoyed a beautiful St. Luke's Summer this year, with warm sunshine well into autumn.

Variants and Related Words

• Lukan (adj): Pertaining to St. Luke or his writings.
  • The Lukan narrative provides a unique perspective on the birth of Jesus.
• Lucan (adj): An alternative adjective form for St. Luke.

Synonyms

• Luke the Evangelist
• The Beloved Physician (a traditional title based on a reference in the Pauline epistles).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "As patient as St. Luke": An uncommon phrase alluding to the saint's traditional profession as a healer, implying great patience.
  • The teacher was as patient as St. Luke with the new students.

Noun

1. (New Testament) the Apostle closely associated with St. Paul and traditionally assumed to be the author of the third Gospel