Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • Italian noble family that produced three popes (Leo X, Clement VII, and Leo XI) and two queens of France (Catherine de Médicis and Marie de Médicis). Cosimo “the Elder” (1389–1464) was the first of the family to rule Florence. Lorenzo “the Magnificent” (1449–1492) was an outstanding patron of learning and the arts, whose clients included Michelangelo and Botticelli.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun aristocratic Italian family of powerful merchants and bankers who ruled Florence in the 15th century

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Leopoldo de’ Medici, and in the middle of the hall the celebrated +Medici Vase+ (339), with the sacrifice of Iphigenia in relief, by a Greek sculptor.

    The South of France—East Half C. B. Black

  • There was once a time when her uncle, Father Girolamo, could not even utter the name of Medici without choking on his own bile, so abhorrent was the legacy of that family to him and his ancestors.

    The Poet Prince KATHLEEN MCGOWAN 2010

  • This libellous insinuation against the admittedly speckless virtue of the Venus de Medici is about the only clear case of médisance which I have so far been able to discover!

    Maria Edgeworth 1905

  • In Lorenzo’s garden there is a statue from ancient Rome that is called the Medici Venus.

    The Poet Prince KATHLEEN MCGOWAN 2010

  • Mr. Medici was sentenced in Italy in 2004 to 10 years in prison for dealing in stolen artifacts, and the photo collection is now known as the Medici archive.

    Critics Say Christie's Should Pull 3 Items From Auction 2010

  • He openly cursed Lorenzo from the pulpit now, calling the Medici tyrants and predicting their downfall at the hands of an angry God.

    The Poet Prince KATHLEEN MCGOWAN 2010

  • Seats were always saved in the front pews for the ruling elite, of which the Medici were the highest in rank.

    The Poet Prince KATHLEEN MCGOWAN 2010

  • Our editor, Eddie, called Medici pictured and spoke with one of the very nice managers, Sarah Perleschi, a seven-year veteran of the restaurant.

    Obama Eats Here...and Here...and Here...and Here...and You Can, Too! Eddie Gehman Kohan 2008

  • Our editor, Eddie, called Medici pictured and spoke with one of the very nice managers, Sarah Perleschi, a seven-year veteran of the restaurant.

    Archive 2008-11-24 Eddie Gehman Kohan 2008

  • For more than a century the Medici were the greatest patrons of the Renaissance and led the rich bourgeoisie of Florence in fostering a brilliant development of culture.

    1478 2001

Comments

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  • I'm reading a bio of Lorenzo De'Medici and am curious as to the practice (at least in this book) of spelling the name "Medici" regardelss if it's being used to describe one Medici, two or more Medici, and/or something belonging to the or a Medici. Anyone??

    July 10, 2010

  • Maybe they are following the Italian standard of not pluralizing last names. But the adjective meaning "belonging to the Medici" is mediceo.

    July 10, 2010

  • Ahhh. I didn't know that. He also uses 'medicean' a lot. Thanks!

    July 10, 2010