medallion
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A large medal, often worn as jewellery or awarded for achievement.
A decorative design, emblem, or object shaped like a large medal; also refers to a cut of meat (especially lamb) from the rib.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes a physical object of honour or decoration. The culinary sense is a specific technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The culinary term 'medallion' (e.g., lamb medallion) is equally used in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of honour, achievement, or ornate decoration in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in ceremonial/hereditary contexts (e.g., referring to historic artefacts). The culinary term is common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Verb] a medallion (awarded, presented, wore, displayed)[Adjective] medallion (golden, commemorative, honorary)medallion [Preposition] (of honour, for bravery, from the competition)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Struck a medallion (rare, meaning to create or mint one)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in contexts of awards, corporate gifts, or luxury goods (e.g., 'The company minted a limited-edition medallion for its centenary.')
Academic
Used in history, art history, and archaeology to describe ancient or ceremonial discs (e.g., 'The Roman medallion depicted the emperor's profile.')
Everyday
Refers to jewellery or a large medal received as an award (e.g., 'He wore his grandfather's war medallion.')
Technical
In culinary arts, refers to a small, round, boneless cut of meat (e.g., 'The recipe calls for veal medallions.')
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The medallion steak was cooked perfectly.
- She admired the medallion design on the ceiling.
American English
- He ordered the medallion cut of lamb.
- The medallion motif was repeated in the architecture.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a gold medallion.
- She won a medallion in the race.
- The champion wore a large silver medallion around his neck.
- They awarded her a special medallion for her long service.
- The ancient medallion, discovered during the dig, was remarkably well-preserved.
- For the main course, I recommend the pan-seared lamb medallions with rosemary.
- His collection of Renaissance medallions is considered one of the finest in private hands.
- The council struck a commemorative medallion to mark the town's quincentenary.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LION wearing a large MEDAL around its neck – a MEDAL-LION.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A TANGIBLE OBJECT (TO BE WORN/DISPLAYED).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'медальон' when it refers to a locket (a small case for a picture). The English 'medallion' is not typically a container.
- The culinary term 'medallion' translates directly as 'медальон' but is a specific cut, not just any piece of meat.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'medalion' (missing one 'l').
- Using 'medallion' to mean a small, ordinary medal (it typically implies larger size or significance).
- Confusing the jewellery sense with a 'locket' (which opens).
Practice
Quiz
In a culinary context, what is a 'medallion' most likely to be?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'medallion' is typically larger, more decorative, and often worn as jewellery or displayed. A 'medal' is generally smaller and specifically awarded for achievement, sport, or military service.
No, 'medallion' is not standardly used as a verb. The related verb is 'medallion' is extremely rare and non-standard; one would use 'award a medallion' or 'mint a medallion' instead.
Yes, the spelling 'medallion' is identical in both British and American English.
A common mistake is confusing a 'medallion' (a solid decorative disc) with a 'locket' (a pendant that opens to hold a photograph or keepsake).