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

Its remaining crosspieces resembled a crucifix on fire. —Guy Trebay, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025

McIntyre loaded up for a second Claymore, but missed and was trapped in a crucifix rollup by Jey for the upset win. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

The rest of the Vatican is a composite of nearly 50 locations, from a military canteen used for the Casa Santa Marta dining room to the Ospedale Santo Spirito, which became the Vatican’s courtyard, to the famous Palazzo Barberini, where Davies installed a 15-foot crucifix. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025

In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

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