See Also: diadem(medicine)
diadem(dictionary)
diadem(dictionary)

inefficiency (iou) and diadem (iou)


inefficiency (iou)



inefficiency noun. M18.
[from IN-3 + Efficiency.]
Lack of Efficiency; ineffectiveness, incompetence; an instance of this.

diadem (iou)



diadem noun & verb. ME.
[Old & mod. French diademe from Latin diadema from Greek = regal headband of the Persian kings, from diadein bind round.]
A. noun.
Something worn on the head as a symbol of honour, esp. royalty; a crown. Now chiefly poet. & rhet. ME.
E. Perronet Bring forth the royal diadem And crown him Lord of all.
b. spec. A wreath of leaves or flowers worn round the head. M16.
c. spec. A headband, plain or jewelled, worn by or in imitation of oriental monarchs. L16.
Royal or imperial power, sovereignty. ME.
Something conferring dignity; a crowning glory. E16.
John Neal The name of Yankee was a reproach here; it was a diadem there.
An adornment on the top of something. L18.
Byron Mont Blanc is the monarch of mountains..With a diadem of snow.
Comb.: diadem monkey = SAMANGO; diadem spider the Garden spider, Araneus diadematus, which spins orb webs.
b. verb trans. Adorn (as) with a diadem. LME.
diademed monkey = SAMANGO.
W. Jones Every stalk is diadem'd with flowers.
diademated adjective (now rare or obsolete) wearing a diadem E18.