cruciform, a.
(ˈkruːsɪfɔːm)
[ad. mod.L. cruciform-is, f. cruc-em cross: see -form.]
Of the form of a (right-angled) cross; cross-shaped: spec. in Bot. of the flowers of cruciferous plants; in Arch. of a church built in the form of a cross; in Anat. = crucial 1.
| 1661 Lovell Hist. Anim. & Min. 215 The cruciforme bone of the head [of a pike]. 1794 Martyn Rousseau's Bot. ii. 29 These corollas are called cruciform or cross shaped. 1807 J. E. Smith Phys. Bot. 268 The natural order of Cruciform plants, composing the Linnæan class Tetradynamia. 1827 Gentl. Mag. XCVII. ii. 499 At Horton Kirby..the Antiquary will find a cruciform church. |
Hence ˌcruciˈformity, the quality or fact of being cruciform; ˈcruciˌformly adv., in form of a cross.
| 1846 Ecclesiologist V. 219 Forms of symbolism..the cruciformity of churches, for instance. 1834 H. O'Brien Round Towers Ireland 352 The Pagodas of Benares and Mathura..are cruciformly built. |