crucifix

[kroo-suh-fiks]

noun

1. a cross with the figure of Jesus crucified upon it.

2. any cross.

3. Gymnastics.,  a stunt performed on the parallel rings in which the athlete holds their body rigid with their legs vertically extended together and their arms extended horizontally from the shoulders.

crucifix

/ ˈkruːsɪfɪks /

noun

1. a cross or image of a cross with a figure of Christ upon it

Other Word Forms

• crucificial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucifix¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Late Latin crucifīxus “the crucified one” (i.e., Christ), noun use of masculine of past participle of Latin crucifīgere “to crucify; ” fix

Word History and Origins

Origin of crucifix¹

C13: from Church Latin crucifixus the crucified Christ, from crucifīgere to _crucify

Example Sentences

A small crucifix is affixed to the wall above, and a rolling, pink-topped hospital table sits on the far side of the room.

From Los Angeles Times

Both the vandalism to the graves and the burning of the crucifix - a local landmark - had affected him.

From BBC

A 39-year-old man has been charged after 40 headstones were damaged and a large wooden crucifix was set on fire at a Renfrewshire cemetery.

From BBC

In one game, contestants clutch keys suspiciously resembling crucifixes as one player leads others with fervor, for better or worse.

From Los Angeles Times

A single, white rose was pictured lying on the stone tomb that bears the name he was known by during his pontificate, below a crucifix illuminated by a single spotlight.

From BBC