Pronunciation: [ˈaɡnəs] (IPA) 
The word "Agnus" is commonly used in the Catholic Church to refer to the lamb of God. The spelling of this word can be tricky for those who are not familiar with Latin pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈæɡnəs/. The "g" is a hard "g" sound, similar to the "g" in "goat". The "u" is silent, making it just "nus". It is important to note that the stress is on the first syllable, "ag".
Agnus, often referred to as "Agnus Dei," is a Latin term derived from the Greek word "agnós," which translates to "lamb." In religious and liturgical contexts, Agnus primarily refers to a specific iconographic representation of Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb or the Lamb of God. This widely recognized symbol represents Jesus' role as the ultimate sacrifice in Christianity.
In Christian traditions, the Agnus Dei is often depicted as a lamb holding a cross or a flag inscribed with a cross. This imagery originated from the Old Testament, where lambs were frequently used as offerings in Jewish rituals and symbolized redemption or atonement for sins. The concept of Jesus as the sacrificial lamb is a central theme in Christianity, signifying His willing sacrifice for the salvation of humanity.
The term Agnus Dei is also associated with a hymn in the Catholic Mass. The Agnus Dei hymn is typically sung or chanted during the liturgical celebration, following the Breaking of the Bread. This prayerful chant calls on Jesus, the Lamb of God, to have mercy and grant peace to the worshipers.
In broader figurative use, the term Agnus may refer to someone who is meek, gentle, or innocent, resembling the docility and purity often associated with lambs. It is occasionally used metaphorically to describe a person who selflessly sacrifices for the benefit of others or to connote a state of vulnerability. Overall, whether in religious or metaphorical contexts, Agnus evokes the idea of innocence, sacrifice, and redemption.
The word Agnus has Latin origins and is derived from the Latin word agnus meaning lamb. In ancient Rome, Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, and agnus referred to a young, unweaned lamb. It eventually found its way into other languages, including English, where it is often used as a component in Latin phrases such as Agnus Dei which means Lamb of God.
