Definition

Noun: A kylix is a type of shallow, wide-bowled drinking cup with two horizontal handles, used in ancient Greece. It was a common vessel for drinking wine, often decorated with painted scenes on the interior.

Usage

The word kylix is used specifically in historical, archaeological, and art historical contexts to refer to this distinct form of ancient Greek pottery.

Examples

• Archaeologists carefully reconstructed the painted kylix found at the symposium site.
• The museum's collection features a kylix depicting a scene from Greek mythology.
• During the symposium, wine was typically drunk from a kylix.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in academic writing to describe and classify artifacts. The plural form is kylikes (pronounced /ˈkaɪ.lɪˌkiːz/ or /ˈkɪl.ɪˌkiːz/).
  • The exhibit displayed several fine kylikes from the Classical period.

Variants and Related Words

• Cup: A general term for a small bowl-shaped container for drinking.
• Chalice: A ceremonial drinking cup, often associated with religious rites.
• Krater: A different type of ancient Greek vessel used for mixing wine and water.
• Pottery: Objects made from baked clay, such as a kylix.

Synonyms

• Drinking cup
• Wine cup

Different Meanings

The word kylix has no other common meanings in modern English. It refers exclusively to the ancient Greek artifact.

Noun

1. a shallow drinking cup with two handles; used in ancient Greece