Definition

1. Noun:
   • An ancient Greek drinking cup: A specific type of drinking vessel from ancient Greece, typically characterized by having two handles and a footed base.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The archaeologist carefully excavated a delicate scyphus from the ruins.
  • In the museum's collection, the Attic black-figure scyphus is considered a masterpiece.

Advanced Usage

• The term scyphus is used primarily in historical, archaeological, and classical studies contexts to describe this particular artifact.
• In botanical terminology, scyphus can refer to a small cup-shaped structure in some flowers, though this is a distinct and specialized meaning.

Variants and Related Words

• Scyphi (n): The plural form of scyphus.
• Skyphos (n): An alternative transliteration from the Greek (σκύφος), referring to the same type of cup.

Synonyms

• Drinking cup: A general term for a vessel from which one drinks.
• Goblet: A drinking glass with a foot and stem, though not necessarily with two handles.
• Chalice: A large cup or goblet, typically used for drinking wine.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary and most common meaning of scyphus is the ancient Greek two-handled cup. The botanical meaning is a separate, technical usage.
• This word is a specialized term and is not commonly used in everyday modern English.

Noun

1. an ancient Greek drinking cup; two handles and footed base