Fleuron

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈflʊɹɑn/

Definitions

1. A decorative feature resembling a flower that is often employed in architecture and graphic design
2. A stylized floral ornament used primarily in typography and decoration, typically appearing as a small flower symbol or emblem
3. An ornamental design shaped like a flower, commonly found in printed works and architectural details as embellishments

Etymology: Printers and typographers use "fleuron" for a small ornament shaped like a flower or leaf, often placed at the end of a section or chapter. The word came into English from Old French "floron", meaning "flower", a diminutive-style form of "flor" in the same sense. The spelling was later reshaped to match modern French "fleuron", so the English word now looks more like its French descendant than its older source. The surprise is how literal the word still is. A fleuron is nothing more than a flower in miniature, and the sense has stayed attached to decoration throughout its history rather than drifting into abstract meaning. Its appearance in print is a reminder that the printed page once borrowed its ornaments directly from the garden.

Synonyms: ornament, decoration, motif, emblem, floral design