1 echini | Definition of echini
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echinus

noun
echi·​nus | \ i-ˈkÄ«-nÉ™s How to pronounce echinus (audio) \
plural echini\ i-​ˈkÄ«-​ËŒnÄ« How to pronounce echini (audio) \

Definition of echinus

1 : sea urchin
2a : the rounded molding that lies directly beneath the abacus in the capital of a column in the Greek Doric order
b : a similar member in other orders

First Known Use of echinus

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for echinus

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek echinos hedgehog, sea urchin — more at ophite

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More from Merriam-Webster on echinus

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with echinus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about echinus

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