lekythos

[ lek-uh-thos ]

noun

, Greek and Roman Antiquity.

, plural lek·y·thoi [lek, -, uh, -thoi].

1. an oil jar having an ellipsoidal body, narrow neck, flanged mouth, curved handle extending from below the lip to the shoulder, and a narrow base terminating in a foot: used chiefly for ointments.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lekythos¹

First recorded in 1850–55, lekythos is from the Greek word lḗkythos

Example Sentences

Stel, with a sepulchral lekythos in relief, supported by a winged Sphinx.

From Project Gutenberg

The alabastros was a diminutive lekythos, used for toilet unguents, with two small ears by which to suspend it.

From Project Gutenberg

The lekythos (Fig. 305) was an oil-jar of an elongated shape, neck in proportion, cup-like orifice, and one handle.

From Project Gutenberg

The pyxis was used by women at their toilet, and the lekythos, alabastron and askos for oil and unguents.

From Project Gutenberg

For other shapes, such as the hydria, and lekythos, the old method was for a time preferred.

From Project Gutenberg