crucifix
n. countablen. 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.
She wore a small silver crucifix on a chain.
The old stone church featured a large wooden crucifix hanging above the main altar.
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.
From Middle English crucifix, from Old French crocefis (French crucifix), from Latin crucifixus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Commonly used in religious contexts; often takes the preposition 'on' or 'above'.
Last updated May 11, 2026