What term refers to a council of bishops?

The term that refers to a council of bishops is "Synod." A synod typically consists of a gathering of bishops, and it is often convened to discuss matters of doctrine, practice, or administration within a specific church body. The purpose of a synod can vary, but it usually involves deliberation and decision-making on important ecclesiastical issues.

In the context of church governance, a synod serves as a model for collaborative leadership among bishops and can facilitate the resolution of theological disputes, the development of church policies, and the overall direction of a religious community. This makes it distinct from other terms like archdiocese, which refers to a larger administrative region overseen by an archbishop, and diocese, which is a district under the pastoral care of a bishop. Meanwhile, a conclave specifically refers to the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope and does not encompass the broader concept of a council of bishops.