Meaning & use
makara
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Meanings
nouncountablespecialist
a mythical sea creature in Hindu and Buddhist art, often shown with a crocodile's body, an elephant's trunk, and sometimes fish-like features
Grammar: Countable: a makara, two makaras. Often used in the plural when talking about decorative figures.
Patterns
- a makara figure
- carved makaras
- the makara in Hindu art
The temple gateway is decorated with carved makaras.
In Hindu art, the makara often appears as a guardian figure at entrances.
The museum displayed a bronze makara from southern India.
nouncountablespecialist
a decorative motif or architectural ornament shaped like this mythical creature
Grammar: Used especially in art history and architecture: a makara on the arch, makara ornaments.
Patterns
- a makara ornament
- makara motifs
The stone arch features a makara at its center.
Makara motifs are common in Southeast Asian temple architecture.
Word forms
| plural | makaras |
|---|
Common combinations
- makara figure
- A makara figure guarded the entrance to the shrine.
- carved makara
- The pillar was topped with a carved makara.
- makara motif
- The textile uses a repeating makara motif.
Practice
In Hindu and Buddhist art, a makara is usually _____.
Choose one answer.
A makara is a mythical creature often shown with a crocodile body and elephant trunk. The other options describe real objects or places, not this legendary animal.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “makara”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.