lekythos

[ lek-uh-thos ]

noun

, Greek and Roman Antiquity.

, plural lek·y·thoi [lek, -, uh, -thoi].

1. an oil jar having an ellipsoidal body, narrow neck, flanged mouth, curved handle extending from below the lip to the shoulder, and a narrow base terminating in a foot: used chiefly for ointments.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lekythos¹

First recorded in 1850–55, lekythos is from the Greek word lḗkythos

Example Sentences

Among the pieces seized on Friday from Mr. Steinhardt was a Greek white-ground attic lekythos — or oil vessel — from the fifth century B.C., depicting a funeral scene with the figures of a woman and a youth, according to the search warrant.

From New York Times

K. A companion lekythos has been discovered at Chasani, in Attica, and is now at Athens.

From Project Gutenberg

Part of a sepulchral lekythos with relief.

From Project Gutenberg

Stel�, with a sepulchral lekythos in relief, supported by a winged Sphinx.

From Project Gutenberg

Sepulchral lekythos with relief, much defaced.

From Project Gutenberg