Pronunciation: [bˈaptɪsmə͡lz] (IPA) 
The word "baptismals" is a plural noun that refers to books or registers used to record baptisms. The correct pronunciation of this word is /bæp.tɪz.məlz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "t" in the middle of the word is pronounced as a "t" sound, and the letter "i" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. The "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as a schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound.
Baptismals, when used as a plural noun, refers to a collection or set of items related to the sacrament of baptism in Christianity. This term specifically denotes the various objects or materials that are used during the baptismal ceremony, which is an important ritual in many Christian denominations.
The baptismal set typically includes items such as a baptismal font, a vessel used for holding the water used in the baptism, as well as other accessories required for the sacrament. These additional objects may consist of a basin or bowl for pouring or sprinkling water, a special towel or cloth for drying the person being baptized, and a shell or other tool for the act of pouring or dampening with water in the baptismal ritual.
Baptismals may also encompass other symbolic elements associated with the baptism ceremony, such as a baptismal gown or robe, which is often worn by the individual being baptized to represent their entrance into the Christian faith. In certain traditions, the term can also encompass the baptismal certificate, a document that serves as a record of the sacrament and is often given to the baptized individual or their parents.
Overall, baptismals encompass the physical objects and articles involved in the Christian sacrament of baptism, and together, they serve to symbolize the act of initiation or purification through water, which is considered significant and meaningful in various Christian traditions.
The etymology of the word "baptismals" derives from the root word "baptism", which originates from the Greek word "baptizein", meaning "to dip" or "to immerse". The suffix "-als" is added to the noun "baptism" to form the plural noun "baptismals", which refers to items associated with or used in the sacrament of baptism, such as baptismal fonts, baptismal garments, or baptismal certificates.
