aryballos

noun

ar·​y·​bal·​los
variants or aryballus
ˌarəˈbaləs
plural -es
: a flask or bottle that has a short neck, single handle, small orifice with a flaring lip, and globular body often elaborately decorated and that is used for holding oils or ointments compare alabastrum

Word History

Etymology

Greek aryballos bag, purse, aryballos, perhaps from ary- (from aryein to draw—water) + -ballos (from ballein to throw)

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Cite this Entry

“Aryballos.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aryballos. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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