pithos

[ pith-os, pahy-thos ]

noun

, plural pi·thoi [pith, -oi, pahy, -thoi].

1. a very large earthenware jar having a wide mouth, used by the ancient Greeks for storing liquids, as wine, or for holding food, as grain, or for the burial of the dead.

pithos

/ ˈpaɪ-; ˈpɪθɒs /

noun

1. a large ceramic container for oil or grain

Word History and Origins

Origin of pithos¹

First recorded in 1875–80, pithos is from the Greek word píthos

Word History and Origins

Origin of pithos¹

from Greek

Example Sentences

Also recovered was a pithos, or storage jar, dating to 700 B.C., near the time of the founding of Rome.

From New York Times

In October, after the exhibition at the Museum of Rescued Art closes, 20 pieces are expected to be allocated to Cerveteri, including a lidded white-on-red pithos decorated with the blinding of Polyphemus, the giant son of Poseidon and Thoosa.

From New York Times

Bellelli said that for now the pithos would be given its own vitrine in the museum, alongside the Euphronius pieces.

From New York Times

The pithos, or large vessel, is an Etruscan work from the seventh century B.C. recently recovered from the Getty Museum.

From New York Times

Pandora’s pithos is just waiting for five justices to crack its lid.

From Seattle Times