TRISKELE

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 11 May 2012

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Word of the Day:

TRISKELE  (n. pl. -S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a symbolic figure consisting of three curved or bent lines, branches, or legs radiating from a common center

Useful info for word game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: TRISCELE, TRISKELION
• Related Forms: (none)

Epilogue:

As with many of the symbols we have examined this week, the TRISKELE (or TRISCELE or TRISKELION) has ancient roots and has appeared in many times and places throughout history.  Among its uses has been as a symbol of Sicily, as a symbol of the sun, and as a figure on coins, pottery, and other artwork.

The word derives from the Greek triskeles (“three-legged”), from skelos, meaning “leg.”  The same root is a part of the word ISOSCELES, which, as you may remember from math class, means “having two sides of equal length,” as in an “isosceles triangle” or “isosceles trapezoid.”

Recapping this week’s featured words:
FYLFOT, MANDALA, ANKH, and TRISKELE

Also mentioned:
GAMMADION, ISOSCELES, MANDALIC, SWASTICA, SWASTIKA, TRISCELE, and TRISKELION

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