triskelion

noun

tri·​skel·​i·​on trī-ˈske-lē-ən How to pronounce triskelion (audio)
tri-
variants or triskele
: a figure composed of three usually curved or bent branches radiating from a center

Illustration of triskelion

Illustration of triskelion

Examples of triskelion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The triskelion flag would certainly look handsome planted in lunar ground. Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 Taing Molteni built the mural’s mesmerizing design on a triskelion, an ancient Irish symbol of three connecting spirals. Cate McQuaid, BostonGlobe.com, 25 July 2023 The cartouches are engraved with the watchmaker’s mark and the serial number, while the main plate is decorated with the triskelion motif of the Isle of Man. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2022 But even amongst these exceptions, a triskelion animal with three locomotory limbs, has never appeared. Grrlscientist, Forbes, 18 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

triskelion from New Latin, from Greek triskelēs three-legged, from tri- + skelos leg; triskele from Greek triskelēs — more at isosceles

First Known Use

circa 1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of triskelion was circa 1857

Dictionary Entries Near triskelion

Cite this Entry

“Triskelion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triskelion. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!