alabastrum

noun

al·​a·​bas·​trum
ˌa-lə-ˈba-strəm
variants or alabastron
ˌa-lə-ˈba-ˌsträn,
-strən
 or alabastos
ˌa-lə-ˈba-ˌstäs,
-stəs
plural alabastra
ˌa-lə-ˈba-strə
 or alabastrums or alabastrons
: an ancient Greek or Roman jar for oils, ointments, or perfumes having a flattened lip with narrow orifice and an elongated body rounded at the bottom

Word History

Etymology

Latin & Greek; Latin alabastrum, from Greek alabastron, alabastos

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alabastrum was before the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near alabastrum

alabaster tint

alabastrum

à la belle étoile

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Alabastrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alabastrum. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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