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View synonyms for pyxis

pyxis

1

[ pik-sis ]

noun

, plural pyx·i·des [pik, -si-deez].
  1. Greek and Roman Antiquity. a box of a usually cylindrical shape having a lid with a knob in the center, used for toilet articles.
  2. Botany. a pyxidium.


Pyxis

2

[ pik-sis ]

noun

, Astronomy.
, genitive Pyx·i·dis [pik, -si-dis].
  1. the Compass, a southern constellation: one of the subordinate constellations into which Argo is now divided.

Pyxis

1

/ ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

  1. an inconspicuous constellation close to Puppis that was originally considered part of the more extensive constellation Argo
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

pyxis

2

/ ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

  1. a small box used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to hold medicines, etc
  2. a rare word for pyx
  3. another name for pyxidium
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pyxis1

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek pyxís a box

Origin of pyxis2

1680–90; < Latin < Greek pyxís a box, pyx
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Word History and Origins

Origin of pyxis1

C14: via Latin from Greek: box
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Example Sentences

That starts with its name, which comes from the ancient Greek word “pyxis,” or small box, which was later used in Latin, too.

A girl with a pyxis stands on the left behind the throne.

The marriage is celebrated here in a pyxis attributed to the Meleager Painter.

All except the pyxis are decorated with painted figures, and contain flowers.

In one—the pyxis—the plastron is furnished with a transverse hinge, so that the animal can retract its head and fore-limbs within the carapace, and close the plastron upon it, first shutting them in.

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pyxiePyxis Nautica