crown of thorns

noun phrase

: a starfish (Acanthaster planci) of the Pacific region that is covered with long spines and feeds on coral polyps sometimes causing destruction of coral reefs

called also crown-of-thorns starfish

Examples of crown of thorns in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Relics, such as a crown of thorns believed to be worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, were saved from the fire. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 29 Nov. 2024 In Catholic tradition, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a mystical sign of the divine love of Jesus for humanity, often symbolized with an image of a human heart wrapped in a crown of thorns, like the one Jesus wore when he was crucified. Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 11 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crown of thorns was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near crown of thorns

Cite this Entry

“Crown of thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crown%20of%20thorns. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.

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