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crown of thorns
noun phrase
: a starfish (Acanthaster planci) of the Pacific region that is covered with long spines and feeds on coral polyps sometimes causing destruction of coral reefs
called also crown-of-thorns starfish
Examples of crown of thorns in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Catholic tradition, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a mystical sign of the divine love of Jesus for humanity, often symbolized with an image of a human heart wrapped in a crown of thorns, like the one Jesus wore when he was crucified.
—Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 11 June 2024
In the shot, Lamar stands wearing a crown of thorns on his head while holding their daughter.
—Katie Mannion, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024
In the odd moment of grace, like when a butterfly lands on Agnes’ upturned face, or the many gory acts of slaughter and execution, the imagery braids blood and beauty together as in a crown of thorns.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024
Sprawling plumerias, a prickly pear cactus and a gorgeous crown of thorns stood next to a wrought iron fence.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023
From his custom Tiffany & Co. crown of thorns for a Glastonbury Festival set to his Louis Vuitton Suit by Virgil Abloh for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the rapper knows how to make a statement with his outfits.
—Justin Ray, Robb Report, 6 July 2023
The faithful often act out the events of Good Friday by carrying a large wooden cross and crown of thorns symbolic of the suffering of Christ.
—Greg Garrison | , al, 8 Apr. 2023
Dressed in gray cloth with a black wig, a crown of thorns, and a heavy wooden cross on his shoulder, Mercado walked in sandals ahead of a group dressed as Roman soldiers as the rendition moved through the South End on Friday afternoon.
—Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Apr. 2023
The seventh will be a crown of thorns chandelier.
—Diane Bell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Apr. 2023
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Word History
First Known Use
1964, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near crown of thorns
Cite this Entry
“Crown of thorns.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crown%20of%20thorns. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
More from Merriam-Webster on crown of thorns
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about crown of thorns
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