I. kənˈtȯ(r)nēə̇t, -ēˌāt adjective
Etymology: Italian contorniato, from past participle of contorniare to make a circuit or outline, from com- + torniare to surround, measure in circuit, from tornio, torno turning lathe, circuit, from Latin tornus lathe — more at turn
: encircled by a groove just inside the edge
a contorniate medal
II. noun
also con·tor·ni·a·to ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷nēˈäd.ō
( plural contorniates -ts ; also contornia·ti -äd.ē)
Etymology: contorniate from French, from Italian contorniato; contorniato from Italian, from contorniato, adjective
: a thin bronze contorniate medallion of the Roman Empire first used about the time of Constantine the Great supposedly in connection with a game like chess