diadem

views updated May 23 2018

di·a·dem / ˈdīəˌdem/ • n. a jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty. ∎  (the diadem) archaic the authority or dignity symbolized by a diadem: the princely diadem.DERIVATIVES: di·a·demed adj.

diadem

views updated May 29 2018

diadem XIII. — (O)F. diadème — L. diadēma — Gr. diādēma, f. diadeîn bind round. f. DIA- + deîn bind.

diadem

views updated May 29 2018

diadem a jewelled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty. Recorded from Middle English, the word comes via Old French and Latin from Greek diadēma ‘the regal headband of the Persian kings’, from diadein ‘bind round’.