crocifisso

crucifix

noun kroh-chee-FEE-soh Rare

Origin: From Latin crucifixus (fixed to a cross).

Usage Note

Crocifisso refers to a representation of Christ on the cross (a physical object), distinguishing it from croce (a bare cross). It is famously at the center of Italian legal debates about displaying crucifixes in public school classrooms. As an adjective it means 'crucified': Gesù crocifisso.

Examples

"Il crocifisso è appeso in ogni aula scolastica."

Natural Translation

The crucifix hangs in every school classroom.

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