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

Here, the body of a scrawny Jesus gushes blood, sending a rivulet of scarlet down his crucifix and onto the ground below. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024

His inspirations for that season at the former house were, by turns, ’30s silhouettes, antique kimonos, and the undead, which translated into a series of obi jackets, crucifix necklaces, and lace-up sandals on the runway. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2024

The belt loop with keys (and a crucifix) that topped many of the looks felt on point — as though Chavarria were elevating these deeply familiar uniforms and silhouettes into new American classics. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2024

My Greek grandmother was like that—kept a crucifix the size of a hand mirror in her bedroom and kissed it until her lips wore the plating off Jesus’ stomach. —David Sedaris, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 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