cylix
Definition
Noun: A cylix is a specific type of ancient Greek drinking cup. It is characterized by its wide, shallow bowl and two horizontal handles, typically set on a stem with a foot. It was commonly used for drinking wine, often during symposia (drinking parties), and its interior was frequently decorated with painted scenes.
Examples of Usage
- Archaeologists discovered a beautifully painted cylix in the tomb.
- The museum's collection features a red-figure cylix depicting a scene from mythology.
- During the symposium, the wine was mixed with water in a krater before being served in individual cylixes.
Advanced Usage
- Art Historical Context: In art history and archaeology, "cylix" (plural: cylixes or kylikes, the Greek plural) is the precise term for this vessel shape. It is often discussed in relation to its decorative techniques, such as black-figure or red-figure painting.
- The evolution of the cylix form can be traced through the Archaic and Classical periods.
Variants and Related Words
- Kylix: This is a direct transliteration of the ancient Greek word (κύλιξ) and is a common alternative spelling for cylix. The two terms are used interchangeably.
- The exhibition is titled "The Athenian Kylix."
Synonyms
- Drinking cup: A general term for a vessel from which one drinks.
- Goblet: A drinking glass with a foot and stem, but typically deeper than a cylix.
- Vessel: A broad container, especially one used for holding liquids.
Related Idioms or Phrases
(There are no common modern English idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use the word "cylix," as it is a specialized historical term.)
Noun
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a shallow drinking cup with two handles; used in ancient Greece
