By Definition

Eu-cha-rist (ykr-st) The Eucharist is another name for Holy communion. The term comes from the Greek by way of Latin, and it means"thanksgiving." It is used in three ways: first, to refer to the Real Presence of Christ; second, to refer to Christ's continuing action as High Priest (He "gave thanks" at the Last Supper, which began the consecration of the bread and wine); and third, to refer to the Sacrament of Holy Communion itself. [Middle English eukarist, from Old French eucariste, from Late Latin eucharistia, from Greek eukharisti, from eukharistos, grateful, thankful : eu-, eu- + kharizesthai, to show favor (from kharis, grace; see gher-² in Indo-European roots).]