Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not astigmatic: Describes a lens or optical system that is free from astigmatism, meaning it can form sharp, point-like images.
   • Pertaining to or resembling stigmata: Relating to, having the characteristics of, or bearing the marks (stigmata) associated with religious figures, such as the wounds of the crucified Christ.

2. Noun:

   • A person bearing stigmata: An individual whose body displays religious stigmata, marks that resemble the wounds of Christ's crucifixion.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The microscope uses a perfectly stigmatic lens to produce a clear image.
  • The priest studied the stigmatic markings on the statue's hands.

• Noun:

  • The devout believer was considered a stigmatic after wounds appeared on her palms.

Advanced Usage

• Optical Physics: In technical contexts, "stigmatic" specifically describes an optical system where all light rays from a single object point converge to a single image point, eliminating blur.

  • A stigmatic imaging condition is crucial for high-resolution telescopes.

• Religious Context: Used within theological discussions to describe phenomena or individuals associated with stigmata.

  • The church investigated the claims of the alleged stigmatic.

Variants and Related Words

• Stigma (n): A mark of disgrace; or, in botany, the part of a pistil that receives pollen. (Note: This is a distinct word with related etymology but different primary meanings).
• Stigmatize (v): To describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or strong disapproval.
• Astigmatic (adj): The opposite in optics; affected by or pertaining to astigmatism (blurred vision due to imperfect lens curvature).

Synonyms

• Anastigmatic (adj): (Optics) Synonym for free of astigmatism.
• Stigmatist (n): A synonym for a person bearing stigmata.

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "stigmatic" has two distinct and unrelated meanings: 1. The optical meaning (free from astigmatism) is a technical term used in physics and engineering. 2. The religious/medical meaning (pertaining to stigmata) is used in theological, historical, and sometimes psychological contexts. These two meanings should not be confused.

Adjective

1. not astigmatic
2. pertaining to a lens or lens system free of astigmatism (able to form point images)
3. pertaining to or resembling or having stigmata

Noun

1. a person whose body is marked by religious stigmata (such as marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ)