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

For the former design I shall employ the Greek term Anthemion.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Goodyear has an elaborate study of the evolution of the Ionic capital (Fig. 82) from the anthemion.

From Project Gutenberg

But Europe was not dependent on Greek and Roman influences alone for the spread of the anthemion.

From Project Gutenberg

The transition from these to the stone or terra-cotta anthemion of the Parthenon (Fig. 88) is very gradual.

From Project Gutenberg

In following this view of the history of the Ionic capital we have practically traversed that of the anthemion.

From Project Gutenberg