ancon

1 of 4

noun (1)

an·​con
ˈaŋˌkän
variants or less commonly ancone
-kōn
plural ancones
as plural of "ancon"
aŋˈkōnēz;
as plural of "ancone"
ˈaŋˌkōnz
: a bracket, elbow, or console used as an architectural support (as for the cornice over a doorway) : crossette sense 1, modillion

Ancon

2 of 4

variant of ancon sheep

Ancon

3 of 4

adjective

An·​con
ˈaŋˌkōn
-än
(ˈ)äŋ¦kȯn
: of or belonging to an early, middle, or late period of the Chavin civilization of Peru characterized by distinct pottery types

Ancon sheep

4 of 4

noun

An·​con sheep
ˈaŋkən-
-ˌkän-
variants or less commonly Ancon
plural -s
: a short-legged achondroplastic sheep
especially : such a sheep of an extinct strain or breed formerly maintained in Massachusetts

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin ancon, from Greek ankōn elbow

Adjective

from Ancón, near Lima, Peru, its type station

Noun

New Latin ancon; from their short, crooked legs

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1706, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1874, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ancon was in 1706

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ancon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ancon. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster