phyle

[ fahy-lee ]

noun

, plural phy·lae [fahy, -lee].

1. (in ancient Greece) a tribe or clan, based on supposed kinship.

phyle

/ ˈfaɪlɪ /

noun

1. a tribe or clan of an ancient Greek people such as the Ionians

Derived Forms

• ˈphylic, adjective

Other Words From

• phylic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyle¹

1860–65; < Greek phȳlḗ, akin to phŷlon phylon

Word History and Origins

Origin of phyle¹

C19: from Greek phulē tribe, clan

Example Sentences

Presently Thrasybulus, with about seventy followers, sallied out from Thebes, and made himself master of the fortress of Phyle.

From Project Gutenberg

With this object a protecting force was despatched to the "boundary estates," about two miles south of Phyle.

From Project Gutenberg

When you chose to condemn the ten generals, my phyle supplied the Prytanes, and I alone stood out against you.

From Project Gutenberg

There was Professor Phyle, the celebrated phrenologist—a tall man, with a gaunt face and long gray hair.

From Project Gutenberg

Professor Phyle, who had stuck his head out of the curtains, drew it in again suddenly, like the timid turtle.

From Project Gutenberg