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agalma

noun
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agal·​ma | \ ə-ˈgal-mə \
plural agalmata\ ə-​ˈgal-​mə-​tə \

Definition of agalma

: memorial specifically : a primitive Greek statue of a god

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First Known Use of agalma

circa 1773, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for agalma

borrowed from Greek ágalma “ornament, finery, statue offered to a god, any statue,” from agal-, stem of agállein “to glorify, exalt, pay honor to” and agállesthai “to glory, exult in” + -ma, resultative noun suffix

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The first known use of agalma was circa 1773

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Cite this Entry

“Agalma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agalma. Accessed 13 Aug. 2020.

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