ichthus
ichthys
\-thə̇s\Definition of ichthus
-es
: a representation of a fish used in ancient times as a pagan fertility talisman or amulet or as a Christian symbol for the Greek word ichthys interpreted as an acrostic in which the Greek letters are the initials of the words I ēsous Ch ristos th eou hy ios s ōtēr meaning Jesus Christ Son of God Savior
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
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!
Origin and Etymology of ichthus
Greek ichthys fish; akin to Armenian jukn fish, Lithuanian žuvis, Old Prussian suckis
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up ichthus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!