alabastron

[al-uh-bas-tron, -truh n, -bah-stron, -struh n]

noun, plural al·a·bas·tra

[al-uh-bas-truh, -bah-struh] /ˌæl əˈbæs trə, -ˈbɑ strə/, al·a·bas·trons. Greek and Roman Antiquity.

a jar characteristically having an elongated shape, narrow neck, flat-rimmed mouth, and rounded base requiring a stand or support, chiefly used for fragrant ointments.

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Also alabastos, alabastrum.

Compare aryballos, askos, lekythos.

Origin of alabastron

First recorded in 1840–50, alabastron is from the Greek word alábastron alabaster vase

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for alabastron

Historical Examples

The pyxis was used by women at their toilet, and the lekythos, alabastron and askos for oil and unguents.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6
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