ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crucifix

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈkɹusəˌfɪks// UK //kɹˈuːsɪfˌɪks// cru·ci·fix

n. a model of a cross with a figure of Jesus on it. It is a common symbol in many Christian churches.

n. a representation of a cross with a figure of Jesus Christ on it. Distinct from a plain cross, which lacks the corpus or figure.


SIMPLE

She wore a small silver crucifix on a chain.

CONTEXTUAL

The old stone church featured a large wooden crucifix hanging above the main altar.

COMPLEX

Art historians often study the evolution of the crucifix to understand how different eras portrayed the physical suffering and divine nature of the central figure.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English crucifix, from Old French crocefis (French crucifix), from Latin crucifixus.

Usage

Commonly used in religious contexts; often takes the preposition 'on' or 'above'.

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