attic

¹

[ at-ik ]

noun

1. the part of a building, especially of a house, directly under a roof; garret.
2. a room or rooms in an attic.
3. a low story or decorative wall above an entablature or the main cornice of a building.
4. Anatomy. the upper part of the tympanic cavity of the ear.

Attic

²

[ at-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Greece or of Athens.
2. (often lowercase) displaying simple elegance, incisive intelligence, and delicate wit.

noun

1. the dialect of ancient Attica that became the standard language of Classical Greek literature in the 5th and 4th centuries b.c.

attic

¹

/ ˈætɪk /

noun

1. a space or room within the roof of a house
2. architect a storey or low wall above the cornice of a classical façade

Attic

²

/ ˈætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to Attica, its inhabitants, or the dialect of Greek spoken there, esp in classical times
2. often not capital classically elegant, simple, or pure

   an Attic style

noun

1. the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Athens: the chief literary dialect of classical Greek See also Aeolic Arcadic Doric Ionic

Other Words From

• non-Attic adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attic¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; special use of Attic

Origin of attic²

1555–65; < Latin Atticus < Greek Attikós

Word History and Origins

Origin of attic¹

C18: special use of Attic from the use of Attic-style pilasters to adorn the façade of the top storey

Example Sentences

“You can find locals dining outdoors at Natalia’s Cafe, an old school diner famous for its home-cooked breakfast, sipping merlot at Camas Cellars and perusing the ever-changing art at the Attic Gallery.”

From Seattle Times

Lin, who redistributes antique vinyl for music label Light in the Attic Records, says her “archival anxiety” drives her fascination with mah-jongg.

From Los Angeles Times

And a giant elephant, frog, gnome and teddy bear descended from the ceiling on “Toys In The Attic.”

From Seattle Times

Decades later, in 2008, it was rediscovered then rereleased by Seattle record label Light in the Attic and became a surprise hit.

From Seattle Times

Attic insulation may be low on your list of glamorous home improvements.

From Seattle Times