pithos

[ pith-os, pahy-thos ]

noun

, plural pi·thoi [pith, -oi, pahy, -thoi].

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

Pithos, pith′os, n. a large spheroid Greek earthenware vase.

From Project Gutenberg

The tub of Diogenes, there is reason to believe, was a great earthen vase or pot—the Pithos.

From Project Gutenberg

The pithakne was a pithos of smaller size used for holding wine.

From Project Gutenberg

This tomb also contained a large wheel-made pithos of red impasto ware with designs painted in polychrome.

From Project Gutenberg