Definition of immaculate

The word "immaculate" is derived from the Latin adjective immaculatus, which means "free from any stain, spot, or wrinkle." In Christian theology, the term specifically refers to the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have been conceived without original sin. This concept, known as the Immaculate Conception, says that Mary was preserved from the taint of original sin from the moment of her conception, rather than being cleansed of it at baptism like other people. This doctrine was officially defined by Pope Pius IX in the papal bull Ineffabilis Deus in 1854. The word immaculate has also been used in other contexts to describe things that are perfect, pure, or untouched by sin. In athletics, for example, an "immaculate reception" refers to a touchdown catch in American football that seems almost too perfect to be true. In literature, an "immaculate image" is a vivid and powerful description that seems to jump off the page. In general, the word immaculate signifies something that is flawless, pristine, and untouched by imperfection or sin.