Punic

[ pyoo-nik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the ancient Carthaginians.
2. treacherous; perfidious: originally applied by the Romans to the Carthaginians.

noun

1. the language of ancient Carthage, a form of late Phoenician.

Punic

/ ˈpjuːnɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to ancient Carthage or the Carthaginians
2. characteristic of the treachery of the Carthaginians

noun

1. the language of the ancient Carthaginians; a late form of Phoenician

Word History and Origins

Origin of Punic¹

< Latin Pūnicus, earlier Poenicus Carthaginian, equivalent to Poen ( us ) a Phoenician, a Carthaginian (akin to Greek Phoînix a Phoenician ) + -icus -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of Punic¹

C15: from Latin Pūnicus, variant of Poenicus Carthaginian, from Greek Phoinix

Example Sentences

As the home of ancient Carthage and its Punic culture, and as a major Roman colony that helped provide the empire with food, Tunisia is awash with classical-era sites and archaeological remains.

From Reuters

“Do you want to read?” one of the third graders, Parker, asked his partner after the lesson on the Punic Wars.

From Seattle Times

Pope cited battles in the Punic wars, French Revolution and a host of other conflicts in which outnumbered, outgunned armies defeated their foes largely due to higher morale, belief in their cause and superior leadership.

From Washington Times

During the Punic wars, the Carthaginians defended the settlement against the Romans, who seized control of the city in 210 BC.

From The Guardian

Like in the Punic Wars, I mean early on wars were thought to be fought over the food supply.

From Salon