Ptolemaic

[ tol-uh-mey-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Ptolemy or his system of astronomy.
2. of or relating to the dynastic house of the Ptolemies or the period of their rule in Egypt.

Ptolemaic

/ ˌtɒlɪˈmeɪɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Greek astronomer Ptolemy or to his conception of the universe
2. of or relating to the Macedonian dynasty that ruled Egypt from the death of Alexander the Great (323 bc ) to the death of Cleopatra (30 bc )

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ptolemaic¹

1665–75; < Greek Ptolemaikós of Ptolemy, equivalent to Ptolema ( îos ) Ptolemy + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Those same experts also expend a lot of energy explaining how the final Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt and a Hellenistic descendent might also be a Black person.

From Salon

The series, which mixes dramatic reenactments with expert interviews, depicts the queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt as Black by starring British, mixed-race actor Adele James.

From Los Angeles Times

Her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, was a king of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and undoubtedly of European descent.

From Salon

The Ptolemaic period spanned about three centuries until the Roman conquest in 30 B.C.

From Reuters

“From the Ptolemaic period onward, they used huge quantities of resin,” Dr. De Cupere said.

From New York Times