diadem

[ dahy-uh-dem ]

noun

1. a crown.
2. a cloth headband, sometimes adorned with jewels, formerly worn by monarchs in Asia Minor and other parts of the East.
3. royal dignity or authority.

verb (used with object)

1. to adorn with or as if with a diadem; crown.

diadem

/ ˈdaɪəˌdɛm /

noun

1. a royal crown, esp a light jewelled circlet
2. royal dignity or power

verb

1. tr to adorn or crown with or as with a diadem

Word History and Origins

Origin of diadem¹

1250–1300; Middle English diademe (< Anglo-French ) < Latin diadēma < Greek diádēma fillet, band, equivalent to diadē- (verbid stem of diadeîn to bind round + -ma noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of diadem¹

C13: from Latin diadēma, from Greek: fillet, royal headdress, from diadein to bind around, from dia- + dein to bind

Example Sentences

Some had exploded into many fragments because of the high temperatures, but the researchers were able to reconstruct a few, such as a greenstone bird figurine, a mask with two polished obsidian eyes, and a greenstone carved diadem.

From Science Magazine

The greenstone ornaments are typical of the Late Classic period and the mask and diadem are known to be exclusive to Maya royalty.

From Science Magazine

Scientists have discovered how female Diadem butterflies have evolved to look like African Queen butterflies to repel predators.

From Science Daily

"In this case, Diadem butterflies have re-evolved an ancestral wing pattern and repurposed it to mimic the Africa Queen, providing a major advance in our understanding of how tasty species mimic those that are toxic."

From Science Daily

Different patterns are found on African Queen butterflies in north, east, south and west Africa -- and the patterns on female Diadem butterflies in each area match these.

From Science Daily