Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

bucranium

noun bu·cra·ni·um \ byüˈkrānēəm \
variants: or less commonly bucrane \(ˈ)byü¦krān\

Definition of bucranium

plural bucrania \byüˈkrānēə\ also bucranes
: a sculptured ornament (as on a Roman Ionic or Corinthian frieze) composed of an ox skull adorned with ribbons or garlands

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of bucranium

Latin, from Greek boukranion ox head, from bous ox, head of cattle + kranion skull

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up bucranium? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games