cinquefoil Definition
- 1a herbaceous plant of the rose family, typically having five leaflets on each leaf, and five petals on each flower.
- 2a stylized representation of a flower with five petals or of a leaf with five leaflets, especially in heraldry.
Using cinquefoil: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cinquefoil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cinquefoil is a common garden plant.
Example
The cinquefoil is a popular motif in heraldry.
Example
The coat of arms featured a cinquefoil emblem.
cinquefoil Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for cinquefoil
- potentilla
- five-leaved clover
- five-finger
Phrases with cinquefoil
an arch with five cusps, typical of Gothic architecture.
Example
The church's entrance was adorned with a cinquefoil arch.
a knot with five loops, used as a decorative element in Celtic art.
Example
The intricate design featured a cinquefoil knot in the center.
a window with five cusps, typical of Gothic architecture.
Example
The cathedral's stained glass windows were cinquefoil in shape.
Origins of cinquefoil
from Old French 'cinc' meaning 'five' and 'foil' meaning 'leaf'
Summary: cinquefoil in Brief
A 'cinquefoil' [ˈsɪŋkfoɪl] is a herbaceous plant of the rose family, typically with five leaflets on each leaf and five petals on each flower. It is also a stylized representation of a flower with five petals or of a leaf with five leaflets, especially in heraldry. The term extends to phrases like 'cinquefoil arch,' 'cinquefoil knot,' and 'cinquefoil window,' all of which denote a five-pointed design in architecture and art.
