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Glite Dictionary
Maltese cross

Maltese cross

8.2
A cross with four equal arms shaped like broad arrowheads that meet at the center
  • noun
  • /mɔlˈtiːz krɔs/
translation icon : cruz maltesa
  • Artists often use the Maltese cross in designing medals and emblems.

Examples

  • The Maltese cross is a prominent symbol in the insignia of the Knights of Malta.

  • The firefighter proudly wore a badge featuring the Maltese cross on his uniform.

  • The Maltese cross is a symbol of bravery.

  • Many firefighters wear a Maltese cross badge.

  • The badge worn by the fire department features a prominent Maltese cross in its center.

  • In her jewelry collection, she displayed a stunning pendant shaped like a Maltese cross.

  • The historic church was adorned with stained glass windows depicting a Maltese cross.

Surface Forms

Maltese cross singular
Maltese crosses plural

Morphology

Maltese + cross

The phrase combines the adjective 'Maltese' (relating to Malta) with the noun 'cross', so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a type or form of cross associated with Malta. While the exact heraldic shape (arrowhead arms) is a specific detail that may require visual exposure, the basic compositional meaning is predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Maltese cross is a cross with four equal arms, each like a wide arrowhead pointing to the center. It began as the badge of the Knights of Malta and later became a common emblem on medals and firefighter badges, so it now stands for 'bravery' and 'membership'.