medallion

[muh-dal-yuhn]

noun

1. a large medal.

2. anything resembling a medal in form, used as an ornament, in a design, etc.

3. a permit issued by a governmental agency to operate a taxicab, usually represented by a small metal identification disk displayed on the taxi.

4. Architecture.

   1. a tablet, usually rounded, often bearing objects represented in relief.

   2. a member in a decorative design resembling a panel.

5. médaillon.

medallion

/ mɪˈdæljən /

noun

1. a large medal

2. an oval or circular decorative device resembling a medal, usually bearing a portrait or relief moulding, used in architecture and textile design

Word History and Origins

Origin of medallion¹

1650–60; < French médaillon < Italian medaglione, augmentative of medaglia medal

Word History and Origins

Origin of medallion¹

C17: from French, from Italian medaglione, from medaglia _medal

Example Sentences

Past a blooming gold medallion tree, and and at the end of a path of spaced concrete tiles, there’s a shed with a seafoam-green door that houses the heart of his life’s work.

From Los Angeles Times

There are exquisite medallions and hair ornaments made from iridescent abalone shells and strings of Chumash currency — tiny, doughnut-shaped beads created from carefully cut olivella shells.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, they usually include a fireproof ID medallion that crematory operators attach to the body before burning.

From Los Angeles Times

He’d loaded it with a flash drive and a gold Oath Keepers medallion.

From Salon

Look for a cast iron medallion of a bulldog on the building’s exterior to indicate you’re in the right place.

From Salon

Related Words

• emblem 
• jewelry 
• necklace