crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks 

: a representation of Christ on the cross

Examples of crucifix in a Sentence

He wears a crucifix on a chain around his neck.

Recent Examples on the Web

And Friedrich had planted the crucifix in the distance, all the way on top of a mountain, like a toothpick in a muffin. —Zachary Fine, The New Yorker, 28 June 2024

Cabinet of Curiosities Autopsy of a Saint In the late thirteenth century, followers of the Italian abbess Clare of Montefalco dissected her heart in search of a crucifix. —JSTOR Daily, 27 June 2024

The Past The 13th-century nun whose heart was dissected in search of a crucifix This necropsy represents an early entry in what would become a tradition of performing autopsies to consider an individual’s sanctity. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Around his neck, Viktor wears silver medallions of the Virgin Mary and the crucifix. —Mari Saito, USA TODAY, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifixus, past participle of crucifigere to crucify, from Latin cruc-, crux + figere to fasten — more at fix

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

crucifix

noun

cru·​ci·​fix ˈkrü-sə-ˌfiks 

: a cross with a figure of Jesus crucified on it

Etymology

Middle English crucifix "crucifix," from Latin crucifixus (same meaning), derived from earlier Latin crucifigere "to crucify," from cruc-, crux "cross" and figere "to fasten, fix" — related to cross, crucify, fix