avellan

adjective

avel·lan ə-ˈve-lən

variants or avellane

ə-ˈve-ˌlān

ˈa-və-ˌlān

of a heraldic cross

: having the four arms shaped like conventionalized filberts see cross illustration

Word History

Etymology

Latin abellana, avellana filbert, from feminine of Abellanus of Abella, from Abella, ancient town in Italy

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of avellan was in 1610

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Browse Nearby Words

Avedon

avellan

Avellaneda

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Avellan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/avellan. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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