anthemion

noun

an·the·mi·on an-ˈthē-mē-ən

plural anthemia an-ˈthē-mē-ə

or anthemions

: a flat ornament of floral form (as in relief sculpture or in painting)

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek anthémion "floral pattern on an Ionic column," diminutive of ánthemon "blossom, flower," from ánthos "flower" + -emon, noun suffix of uncertain sense (also in árgemon "white spot on the eye," from argós "bright, white") — more at antho-

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of anthemion was in 1865

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