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Ptolemaic

[tol-uh-mey-ik]

adjective

  1. of or relating to Ptolemy or his system of astronomy.

  2. of or relating to the dynastic house of the Ptolemies or the period of their rule in Egypt.



Ptolemaic

/ ˌtɒlɪˈmeɪɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to the Greek astronomer Ptolemy or to his conception of the universe

  2. of or relating to the Macedonian dynasty that ruled Egypt from the death of Alexander the Great (323 bc ) to the death of Cleopatra (30 bc )

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of Ptolemaic1

1665–75; < Greek Ptolemaikós of Ptolemy, equivalent to Ptolema ( îos ) Ptolemy + -ikos -ic
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Those same experts also expend a lot of energy explaining how the final Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt and a Hellenistic descendent might also be a Black person.

Read more on Salon

The series, which mixes dramatic reenactments with expert interviews, depicts the queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt as Black by starring British, mixed-race actor Adele James.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, was a king of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and undoubtedly of European descent.

Read more on Salon

The Ptolemaic period spanned about three centuries until the Roman conquest in 30 B.C.

Read more on Reuters

“From the Ptolemaic period onward, they used huge quantities of resin,” Dr. De Cupere said.

Read more on New York Times

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PtolemaeusPtolemaic system