Definitions:

1. A person, espcially in Christian monastic tradition, who is dedicated to religious life but not fully ordained as a monk or nun, often living in the secular world while following the spiritual practices or a monastic community. NOUN
   • Oblates often participate in the daily rhythms of monastic prayer and study.
2. Describes a spherical shape flattened at the poles and wider at the equator. ADJECTIVE
   • Due to its rotation, the planet takes on an oblate shape.

Synonyms:

• elliptical
• flattened
• lay associate
• religious devotee

NearBy Words:

• oblateness