a representation of the head of a Gorgon, esp. that of Medusa
Word origin
[1835–45; ‹ Gk, equiv. to Gorgōn-, s. of Gorgo᷇gorgon + -eion neut. adj. suffix]This word is first recorded in the period 1835–45. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: crosshead, faceplate, hybridize, placement, serial