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

Crowns and diadems - which were stolen in the heist - can easily be broken apart and sold in small parts.

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Also stolen was a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which has nearly 2,000 diamonds; and a necklace that once belonged to Marie-Amelie, the last queen of France.

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According to the authorities, eight items were taken including diadems, necklaces, ear-rings and brooches.

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

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“This is exactly how I felt when we unearthed a sultana’s hidden diadem too...”

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