lituus

American  

[lit-yoo-uhs] / ˈlɪt ju əs /

noun

• litui
  plural

1. Geometry. a polar curve generated by the locus of a point moving so that the square of its radius vector varies inversely as the angle the radius vector makes with the polar axis. Equation: θr 2 = a.

2. (in ancient Rome) a crook-shaped staff used by augurs for divination.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• litui
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of lituus

1605–15; < Latin; geometrical sense from the curve's resemblance to such a staff

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lituus litui

The Roman lituus, the chief ensign of the augurs, became the crozier.

From History of the Conflict Between Religion and Science by John William Draper

The usual form of taking an augury was very solemn; the augur ascended a tower, bearing in his hand a curved stick called a lituus.

From Pinnock's improved edition of Dr. Goldsmith's History of Rome to which is prefixed an introduction to the study of Roman history, and a great variety of valuable information added throughout the work, on the manners, institutions, and antiquities of the Romans; with numerous biographical and historical notes; and questions for examination at the end of each section. By Wm. C. Taylor. by William Pinnock

This staff is curved at one end, and is called lituus.

From Plutarch's Lives, Volume I by Aubrey Stewart

A lion's skin, with the head and claws attached, form a sort of drapery, and the introduction of the thyrsus, the lituus, and three bacchanalian masks on each side, complete the embellishments.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 13, No. 366, April 18, 1829 by Various

It is uncertain whether the horn intended was straight, like the Assyrian, or curved, like the Roman cornu and lituus.

From The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 4. (of 7): Babylon The History, Geography, And Antiquities Of Chaldaea, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Parthia, And Sassanian or New Persian Empire; With Maps and Illustrations. by George Rawlinson

He could show the litui with their carved clarions--the twisted cornua--the tuba, a trumpet so long and taper,--the concha wound by Tritons--and eke the buccina, a short and brattling horn.

From A Love Story by A Bushman

The word is used, though it is hardly fitting; what the people heard when they came forth was rather an uproar of trumpets and the shriller litui so delightful to the soldiers.

From Ben-Hur; a tale of the Christ by Lewis Wallace

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