noun
seraph
SAIR-uf/ˈserəf/
A high-ranking angel in Jewish and Christian tradition.
The seraph has six wings arranged around its face, body, and feet.
Etymology
Hebrew seraphim named the celestial beings above God’s throne in Isaiah’s vision. Their name probably meant “burning ones,” matching the traditional image of flaming angels.
In context
a Seraph takes a live coal from the altar of the temple in the Holy of Holies and places it on his tongue in order to purify him.
More examples
- In the poem, a seraph brings a message from heaven.
- The church ceiling is decorated with seraphim.
- Christian tradition often places seraphim in the highest order of angels.
Forms
seraph · seraphs · seraphim
seraphic adjective — Having the purity or beauty of angels.