thyrsus

noun

thyr·​sus ˈthər-səs How to pronounce thyrsus (audio)
plural thyrsi ˈthər-ˌsī How to pronounce thyrsus (audio)
-ˌsē
: a staff surmounted by a pine cone or by a bunch of vine or ivy leaves with grapes or berries that is carried by Bacchus and by satyrs and others engaging in bacchic rites

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek thyrsos

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thyrsus was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near thyrsus

thyrsoid

thyrsus

thysan-

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thyrsus

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