epiphany

Meanings

1. An illuminating realization or discovery, often resulting in a personal feeling of elation, awe, or wonder.
2. A manifestation or appearance of a divine or superhuman being.
3. Alternative letter-case form of Epiphany.

1. A manifestation of the divinity of Jesus Christ, especially to the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12), but also at his baptism and the Wedding at Cana.
2. An annual Christian feast celebrating these events, usually on January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas.
3. The day of the celebration, January 6, or sometimes (in Western Christianity), the Sunday between January 2 and 8.
4. The season or time of the Christian church year, either from the Epiphany feast day to Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent), or from the Epiphany feast day to the feast of Candlemas (marking the presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple in Jerusalem).
5. an experience of sudden and striking insight

1. A female given name.

Etymology

From Middle English epiphanie, from Old French epyphanie, from Late Latin epiphania, from Ancient Greek ἐπιφάνεια (epipháneia, “manifestation, striking appearance”), from ἐπιφαίνω (epiphaínō, “I appear, display”), from ἐπι- (epi-, “upon”) + φαίνω (phaínō, “I shine, appear”). English Epiphany (of Christ) since the 14th century, generic use since the 17th century.