gorgoneion

American

[gawr-guh-nee-on] / ˌgɔr gəˈni ɒn /

noun

PLURAL

gorgoneia

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

gorgoneion British

/ ˌɡɔːɡəˈniːɒn /

noun

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

"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

Etymology

Origin of gorgoneion

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The earrings, locks of hair, a Gorgoneion, and snakes bordering the aegis were made of metal, and attached.

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

In the centre of the �gis is another hole, in which a circular object six inches in diameter, doubtless a Gorgoneion, has been fixed.

From Project Gutenberg

The figure wears a Gorgoneion on the breast; and with the left 275 hand seems to be playing on a lyre, which is partly expressed in relief, and must have been further indicated in colour.

From Project Gutenberg

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023