protoma

noun

pro·​to·​ma
prəˈtōmə
variants or protome
-(ˌ)mē
plural -s
: the representation of the head and neck of an animal often used decoratively in architecture

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek protomē head of a decapitated animal, literally, front part cut off, from protemnein to cut off in front, from pro- pro- entry 1 + temnein to cut

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Dictionary Entries Near protoma

Cite this Entry

“Protoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protoma. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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