pyxis

¹ American  

[pik-sis] / ˈpɪk sɪs /

noun

plural

pyxides

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.

3. Botany. a pyxidium.

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Pyxis ² American  

[pik-sis] / ˈpɪk sɪs /

noun

Astronomy.

genitive

Pyxidis

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

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pyxis ¹ British  

/ ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

1. a small box used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to hold medicines, etc

2. a rare word for pyx

3. another name for pyxidium

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Pyxis ² British  

/ ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of pyxis¹

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

Origin of Pyxis²

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

Example Sentences

The marriage is celebrated here in a pyxis attributed to the Meleager Painter.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2010

A girl with a pyxis stands on the left behind the throne.

From A Catalogue of Sculpture in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, Volume I (of 2) by Smith, A. H.

On the Dodwell pyxis of 650 to 620 B.C., a man wears an oval shield, covering him from the base of the neck to the ankles.

From Homer and His Age by Lang, Andrew

The pyxis was used by women at their toilet, and the lekythos, alabastron and askos for oil and unguents.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

All except the pyxis are decorated with painted figures, and contain flowers.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various

Related Words

• trunk