signum crucis
neuter
The English phrase "sign of the cross" is translated into Latin as signum crucis.
signum crucis is a noun phrase used to describe the religious gesture of the sign of the cross.
Meaning: gesture (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term consists of signum, meaning "sign" or "mark"
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the genitive case to show possession or relationship, where crucis modifies signum.
When do people say it?
In a formal setting, the phrase is often accompanied by the spoken words In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.
Did you know?
- The word signum shares an ancient root with the English word 'section', as both stem from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to cut'.
- In Roman military history, a signum was not a religious mark, but a physical military standard or signal carried by legions to communicate movement on a battlefield.
- During the Middle Ages, Latin writers often treated the signum crucis as a literal shield capable of blocking demons.
Examples in context
- Signum crucis est sacrum.The sign of the cross is sacred.
- Hoc signum crucis facimus.We make this sign of the cross.
- Signum crucis orationem incipit.The sign of the cross begins the prayer.
Example conversation
Inside a quiet stone chapel.
- ClaudiaSignum crucis faciamus, Marce.Let us make the sign of the cross, Marcus.
- MarcusIta, Claudia, oratio incipit.Yes, Claudia, the prayer begins.
- ClaudiaSignum crucis est primum.The sign of the cross is first.
- MarcusRecte dic, amica.You speak correctly, friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sign of the cross” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries signum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
