Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A group of islands: The Cyclades are an archipelago of over 200 islands in the southern Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. They are known for their white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches.
   • A Bronze Age civilization: The Cyclades also refers to the prehistoric civilization that flourished on these islands from approximately 3000 to 1100 BC, known for its distinctive marble figurines and early metalworking.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Geographical):

  • We spent our vacation sailing through the Cyclades.
  • Santorini and Mykonos are the most famous islands in the Cyclades.

• Proper noun (Historical/Civilization):

  • The art of the Cyclades is characterized by abstract marble sculptures.
  • Archaeologists study the trade networks of the Cyclades civilization.

Advanced Usage

• "Cycladic" (Adjective): Pertaining to the Cyclades islands or their ancient civilization.
  • Cycladic architecture is iconic.
  • The museum has a collection of Cycladic art.

Variants and Related Words

• Cycladic: (Adjective) Of or relating to the Cyclades.
• Cycladicity: (Noun, rare) The quality or state of being characteristic of the Cyclades.

Synonyms

• The Cycladic Islands: (Geographical synonym)
• Cycladic civilization: (Historical synonym)

Related Phrases

• The Cycladic period: Refers to the timeframe of the Bronze Age civilization in the Aegean.
  • This artifact dates back to the Early Cycladic period.

Noun

1. a group of over 200 islands in the southern Aegean
2. the Bronze Age civilization on the Cyclades islands in the southern Aegean Sea that flourished 3000-1100 BC