gorgoneion

[ gawr-guh-nee-on ]

noun

, plural gor·go·nei·a [gawr-g, uh, -, nee, -, uh].

1. a representation of the head of a Gorgon, especially that of Medusa.

gorgoneion

/ ˌɡɔːɡəˈniːɒn /

noun

1. a representation of a Gorgon's head, esp Medusa's

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorgoneion¹

1835–45; < Greek, equivalent to Gorgōn-, stem of Gorgṓ Gorgon + -eion neuter adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorgoneion¹

C19: from Greek, from gorgoneios of a Gorgon

Example Sentences

On its exterior surface is a Gorgoneion upon an aegis; in the interior is an allegorical design, relating to the Nile flood.

From Project Gutenberg

A head of Medusa, or Gorgoneion, encircled by two serpents, forms 100 the centre of the composition on the fragment.

From Project Gutenberg