bucranium

noun

bu·​cra·​ni·​um

byüˈkrānēəm

variants or less commonly bucrane

(ˈ)byü¦krān

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

Word History

Etymology

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

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

Rhymes for bucranium

• geranium
• germanium
• titanium
• uranium
• cranium
• transuranium