adytum

noun

ad·y·tum ˈa-də-təm

plural adyta ˈa-də-tə

: the innermost sanctuary in an ancient temple open only to priests : sanctum

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin adytum, borrowed from Greek ádyton, neuter of ádytos "not to be entered," from a- a- entry 2 + -dytos, verbal adjective of dýein "to enter, make one's way into, sink," of uncertain origin

Note: Supposed kinship of the Greek verb with a Sanskrit gerundive upādútyaḥ "to be put on (of a belt)" is apparently groundless, as the Sanskrit word should properly be read as "to be burnt" and hence belongs with Sanskrit dunóti "(s/he) burns," Homeric Greek dédēe "blazes up" (see Karl Hoffmann, "Materialen zum altindischen Verbum," Zeitschrift für vergleichende Sprachforschung, Band 79 [1965], pp. 177-81). The Greek verb is thus deprived of any secure Indo-European comparisons, with the possible exception of Armenian enerk "immersed (something)."

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of adytum was in 1611

See more words from the same year