Thyrsus

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈθɜːsÉ™s/

Origin

From Latin thyrsus, from Ancient Greek θύρσος.

Full definition of thyrsus

Noun

1. A staff topped with a conical ornament, carried by Bacchus or his followers.
• LongfellowIn my hand I bear
  The thyrsus, tipped with fragrant cones of pine.
• Elizabeth Barrett BrowningAs good to grow on graves
  As twist about a thyrsus.
• 1968, Anthony Burgess, Enderby OutsideThe champagne was done, and she upturned the bottle to hold it like a thyrsus.
2. (botany) A species of inflorescence; a dense panicle, as in the lilac and horse-chestnut.