Greek cross

American  

noun

1. a cross consisting of an upright crossed in the middle by a horizontal piece of the same length.

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Greek cross British  

noun

1. a cross with each of the four arms of the same length

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Etymology

Origin of Greek cross

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

A. reynoldsi also has a distinct stomach that is shaped like a Greek cross, whereas most other crown jellies have a clover-shaped gut.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2022

Its shape — a Greek cross that is symmetrical on all four sides — lends itself to a non-hierarchical exhibition space essential to the philosophy behind “Futures.”

From Washington Post • Nov. 17, 2021

Their own Crystal Palace was shaped like a Greek cross and topped by an enormous 123-foot high dome, the tallest in America. 

From Scientific American • Feb. 21, 2014

He used an equilateral Greek cross as a ground plan, with three arms containing seats and the fourth the altar.

From Time Magazine Archive

The withdrawal of San Gallo, and the deaths of Giacondo and Raphael in 1515, led to Baldasarre Peruzzi being appointed architect, and under his auspices the plan was changed to that of a Greek cross.

From Architecture by Bell, Nancy R E Meugens