pithos

[pith-os, pahy-thos]

noun

plural

pithoi 

1. a very large earthenware jar having a wide mouth, used by the ancient Greeks for storing liquids, as wine, or for holding food, as grain, or for the burial of the dead.

pithos

/ ˈpaɪ-, ˈpɪθɒs /

noun

1. a large ceramic container for oil or grain

Word History and Origins

Origin of pithos¹

First recorded in 1875–80, pithos is from the Greek word píthos

Word History and Origins

Origin of pithos¹

from Greek

Example Sentences

Also recovered was a pithos, or storage jar, dating to 700 B.C., near the time of the founding of Rome.

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In October, after the exhibition at the Museum of Rescued Art closes, 20 pieces are expected to be allocated to Cerveteri, including a lidded white-on-red pithos decorated with the blinding of Polyphemus, the giant son of Poseidon and Thoosa.

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Bellelli said that for now the pithos would be given its own vitrine in the museum, alongside the Euphronius pieces.

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The pithos, or large vessel, is an Etruscan work from the seventh century B.C. recently recovered from the Getty Museum.

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Pandora’s pithos is just waiting for five justices to crack its lid.

Read more on Seattle Times