pyxis

¹

[ pik-sis ]

noun

, plural pyx·i·des [pik, -si-deez].

1. Greek and Roman Antiquity. a box of a usually cylindrical shape having a lid with a knob in the center, used for toilet articles.
2. pyx ( def 1 ).
3. Botany. a pyxidium.

Pyxis

²

[ pik-sis ]

noun

, Astronomy.

, genitive Pyx·i·dis [pik, -si-dis].

1. the Compass, a southern constellation: one of the subordinate constellations into which Argo is now divided.

Pyxis

¹

/ ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

1. an inconspicuous constellation close to Puppis that was originally considered part of the more extensive constellation Argo

pyxis

²

/ ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

1. a small box used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to hold medicines, etc
2. See pyx
   a rare word for pyx
3. See pyxidium
   another name for pyxidium

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyxis¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek pyxís a box

Origin of pyxis²

1680–90; < Latin < Greek pyxís a box, pyx

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyxis¹

C14: via Latin from Greek: box

Example Sentences

On the left is an attendant figure of a girl holding a box (pyxis).

From Project Gutenberg

On the left is the hand holding a casket (pyxis) of a woman, who had been seated at the foot of the couch.

From Project Gutenberg

Utricle (pyxis) of Amaranth, opening all round (circumscissile).

From Project Gutenberg

Pyxis, Pyxidium, a pod opening round horizontally by a lid, 124.

From Project Gutenberg

So it does in Amaranth (Fig. 387), forming a one-seeded utricular pyxis.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trunk