English word communion comes from Latin communio (communion), which derives from Latin communis (common), which itself probably derives from an old Proto-Indo-European root *mey- (the root has many meanings, e.g. strengthen, fortify, change)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| *mey- | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | strengthen; to fix, to build fortifications or fences; change |
| *ko-moin-i | Proto-Indo-European (ine) | |
| communis | Latin (lat) | (grammar) having both qualities of a subdivided category, such as a verb with both an active and a passive meaning, or a syllable being either long or short.. (of manners) familiar, accessible, courteous. Common, ordinary, commonplace, universal. Democratic; representing the common sentiment. Of or for the community, public. |
| communio | Latin (lat) | Association, fellowship, community. Communion (all senses) To barricade. To strengthen. |
| comunion | Old French (fro) | |
| communion | English (en) | (Christianity) Holy Communion. (Roman Catholicism) A form of ecclestiastical unity between the Roman Church and another, so that the latter is considered part of the former.. A joining together of minds or spirits. |