xyst

[ zist ]

noun

1. (in ancient Greek and Roman architecture) a covered portico, as a promenade.
2. (in an ancient Roman villa) a garden walk planted with trees.

xyst

/ zɪst; ˈzɪstəs /

noun

1. a long portico, esp one used in ancient Greece for athletics
2. (in ancient Rome) a covered garden walk or one lined with trees

Word History and Origins

Origin of xyst¹

1655–65; < Latin xystus garden terrace, shaded walk < Greek xystós a covered colonnade

Word History and Origins

Origin of xyst¹

C17: from Latin xystus, from Greek xustos, literally: smoothed, polished (area), from xuein to scrape, make smooth

Example Sentences

Xyst, zist, n. a covered portico used by athletes for their exercises.

From Project Gutenberg