crucifer

noun

cru·​ci·​fer ˈkrü-sə-fər How to pronounce crucifer (audio)
1
: one who carries a cross especially at the head of an ecclesiastical procession
2
: any of a family (Brassicaceae synonym Cruciferae) of plants including the cabbage, turnip, and mustard
cruciferous adjective

Examples of crucifer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cabbage is just the latest celebrity in a family of hardy crucifers that help chefs and diners through the colder months when local produce is scarce. Kim Severson, New York Times, 10 Mar. 2024 These healthy cauliflower recipes make the most of our favorite crucifer. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 6 Apr. 2021 Refresh the vegetable garden by sowing seeds of crucifers and lettuces. Thad Orr, Sunset Magazine, 10 Feb. 2020 Then the procession begins to form, beginning with the crucifer and growing to include banner-carriers, flower girls, and first communicants. Sarah Schutte, National Review, 22 June 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crucifer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Latin cruc-, crux + -fer

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crucifer was in 1574

Dictionary Entries Near crucifer

Cite this Entry

“Crucifer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crucifer. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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