a. [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 Cruciformity, the quality or fact of being cruciform; Cruciformly 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.
