vesica piscis

[ vuh-sahy-kuh pahy-sis, pis-is; vuh-see-kuh pis-kis, ves-i-kuh ]

noun

, Fine Arts.

1. an elliptical figure in pointed form, usually one made by the intersection of two arcs and used, especially in early Christian art, as an emblem of Christ.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vesica piscis¹

First recorded in 1800–10, vesica piscis is from New Latin vēsīca piscis literally, “bladder of a fish”

Example Sentences

A myrtle was also a type, but of the female, because its leaf is a close representation of the vesica piscis.

From Project Gutenberg

In this figure the cross is made by the intersection of two ovals, each a vesica piscis, an emblem of the yoni.

From Project Gutenberg

In modern Christian art this symbol is called vesica piscis, and is sometimes surrounded with rays.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the following solution that I give to our puzzle involves the pointed "oval," known among architects as the "vesica piscis."

From Project Gutenberg

Mandorla, man-dor′la, n. an oval panel, or a work of art filling such: the vesica piscis.

From Project Gutenberg