anthemion

[ an-thee-mee-uhn ]

noun,plural an·the·mi·a

[an-thee-mee-uh]. /ænˈθi mi ə/.

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

Origin of anthemion

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

Also called honeysuckle ornament.

Words Nearby anthemion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use anthemion in a sentence

For the former design I shall employ the Greek term anthemion.
Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon
Mr. Goodyear has an elaborate study of the evolution of the Ionic capital (Fig. 82) from the anthemion.
Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon
But Europe was not dependent on Greek and Roman influences alone for the spread of the anthemion.
Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon
The transition from these to the stone or terra-cotta anthemion of the Parthenon (Fig. 88) is very gradual.
Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon
In following this view of the history of the Ionic capital we have practically traversed that of the anthemion.
Evolution in Art | Alfred C. Haddon

British Dictionary definitions for anthemion

anthemion

/ (ænˈθiːmɪən) /

nounplural -mia (-mɪə)

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

Origin of anthemion

from Greek: a little flower, from anthos flower

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse