adytum

[ ad-i-tuhm ]

noun

, plural ad·y·ta [ad, -i-t, uh].

1. (in ancient worship) a sacred place that the public was forbidden to enter; an inner shrine.
2. the most sacred or reserved part of any place of worship.

adytum

/ ˈædɪtəm /

noun

1. the most sacred place of worship in an ancient temple from which the laity was prohibited

Word History and Origins

Origin of adytum¹

1665–75; < Latin < Greek ádyton (place) not to be entered, equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + -dyton, neuter of -dytos, verbid of dýein to enter

Word History and Origins

Origin of adytum¹

C17: Latin, from Greek aduton a place not to be entered, from a- ¹+ duein to enter

Example Sentences

The sense of enclosure was intended to evoke the sacred areas of classical temples, as is made clear by the title given to the Adytum/Aduton paintings of 1969.

From The Guardian

Hierostoli, who had access to the Adytum, to clothe the statues of the gods; doctors, embalmers; hierophori, or the bearers of sacred emblems; pterophori, or bearers of the fans carried before the gods; præcones, or pastophori, bearers of the holy images, and keepers of the sacred animals; hierolaotomi, or masons of the priestly order, besides innumerable painters, sculptors, sprinklers of holy water, and flappers to drive away the flies.

From Project Gutenberg

This Egyptian Savior appears also to have been known as Zulis, and with this name—Mr. Wilkison tells us—"his history is curiously illustrated in the sculptures, made seventeen hundred years B. C., of a small, retired chamber lying nearly over the western adytum of the temple-" We are told twenty-eight lotus plants near his grave indicate the number of years he lived on the earth.

From Project Gutenberg

Later that night, I peeked into the center’s adytum, a dark and lovely stone chapel whose altar glowed with candlelight.

From New York Times

It is, therefore, an adytum and occasions shame.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• haven
• hideaway
• refuge
• resort
• sanctuary
• shelter