carnifex

noun

car·​ni·​fex
ˈkärnəˌfeks
plural carnifexes
-ksə̇z
or carnifices
kärˈnifəˌsēz,
-əˌkās
: executioner
specifically : the public executioner in ancient Rome

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from carni- (from carn-, caro flesh) + fex (from facere to make)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near carnifex

Cite this Entry

“Carnifex.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carnifex. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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