anthemion
|an-the-mi-on|
/ænˈθiːmiən/
decorative flower motif
Etymology
'anthemion' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ἀνθέμιον' (anthēmion), where the root 'anth-' meant 'flower'.
'anthemion' passed from Greek 'ἀνθέμιον' into Latin as 'anthemion' and entered English usage through classical and architectural scholarship in the 17th–18th century.
Initially it referred to a 'flower' or 'flower-like ornament'; over time it came to denote specifically the decorative architectural motif derived from that flower form, a meaning that has been retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a decorative motif of stylized flowers or floral elements (often honeysuckle or palmette shapes) used in classical architecture and ornamentation.
The frieze was carved with a continuous anthemion pattern.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/23 19:22