anthemion

[ an-thee-mee-uhn ]

noun

, plural an·the·mi·a [an-, thee, -mee-, uh].

1. an ornament of floral forms in a flat radiating cluster, as in architectural decoration, vase painting, etc.

anthemion

/ ænˈθiːmɪən /

noun

1. a floral design, used esp in ancient Greek and Roman architecture and decoration, usually consisting of honeysuckle, lotus, or palmette leaf motifs

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthemion¹

1860–65; < Greek anthémion, equivalent to ánthem ( on ) flower + -ion diminutive suffix; antho-

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthemion¹

from Greek: a little flower, from anthos flower

Example Sentences

Moulding with anthemion, plait, maeander, and leaf, bead and reel patterns.

From Project Gutenberg

Ridge tiles covered the joints, and the lower end of each ridge terminated in an anthemion.

From Project Gutenberg

Anthemion Anthe�mion, an ornament or ornamental series used in Greek and Roman decoration, which is derived from floral forms, more especially the honeysuckle.

From Project Gutenberg

And Anthemion said, "'Twas a bold deed and certainly does savour somewhat of Lemnos—I own it now we are alone—this Ismenodora must be most violently in love."

From Project Gutenberg

Pray don't say so, Soclarus," said Anthemion, "pray don't entertain any such suspicions of Baccho, for even if he were not by nature most simple and naïve, he would not have concealed the matter from me to whom he divulges all his secrets, especially as he knows that I have always been very anxious he should marry Ismenodora.

From Project Gutenberg