epithalamium

[ ep-uh-thuh-ley-mee-uhm ]

noun

, plural ep·i·tha·la·mi·ums, ep·i·tha·la·mi·a [ep-, uh, -th, uh, -, ley, -mee-, uh].

1. epithalamion.

epithalamium

/ ˌɛpɪθəˈlæmɪk; ˌɛpɪθəˈleɪmɪəm /

noun

1. a poem or song written to celebrate a marriage; nuptial ode

Derived Forms

• epithalamic, adjective

Other Words From

• ep·i·tha·lam·ic [ep-, uh, -th, uh, -, lam, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epithalamium¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek epithalamion marriage song, from thalamos bridal chamber

Example Sentences

In the hands of the poets the epithalamium was developed into a special literary form, and received considerable cultivation.

From Project Gutenberg

At the close of In Memoriam Tennyson has appended a poem, on the nuptials of his sister, which is strictly an epithalamium.

From Project Gutenberg

The second alone can decide, whether it will conclude the piece with an epithalamium—or a requiem!'

From Project Gutenberg

Fragments of his other pieces are preserved in Stobaeus; the epithalamium of Achilles and Deidameia is not his.

From Project Gutenberg

The most charming of all his longer poems is the Epithalamium which celebrates the union of Manlius with his bride.

From Project Gutenberg