pithos

noun

pi·​thos
ˈpiˌthäs,
ˈpīˌ-
plural pithoi
-thȯi
: a very large earthenware jar with a wide round mouth used throughout the ancient Greek world especially for holding and storing large quantities of food (as grain) or liquids (as wine, oil) and sometimes for the burial of the dead

Word History

Etymology

Greek

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near pithos

Cite this Entry

“Pithos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pithos. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!