An ornamental structure or decorative finial found on the stern (rear) of ancient Roman ships, often curved or fan-shaped.
From Latin 'aplustre,' possibly from Greek 'apolustre' or Etruscan. The word appears in Roman literature and archaeological texts.
You can actually see what aplustres looked like in mosaics and sculptures from Pompeii and Rome—they were like the spoiler wings of ancient ships, designed for both wind-catching and intimidation!
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