Alabastra – Definition & Meaning

The term alabastra may not be a familiar one to most people, but it has a long history and a range of meanings. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alabastra, its origin, associations, synonyms and antonyms, and provide example sentences to help illustrate its usage.

Definitions

Alabastra is a term that has a range of definitions depending on the context in which it is used. In ancient Greek, an alabastron was a small, narrow-necked vessel used for holding perfumes or oils. In modern times, the term has been used to describe a type of rock formation, a type of flower, and a genus of moth.

Origin

The word alabastron comes from the Greek word alabastros, which means “perfume vase.” The word was originally used to describe a type of stone that was used to make perfume vases, and later came to be used to describe the vases themselves.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Oxford English Dictionary, alabastron is defined as “a small, narrow-necked vessel used for holding perfumes or oils.” In Merriam-Webster, it is defined as “a small vessel of stone or glass used for holding perfumes or unguents.” In the Cambridge English Dictionary, it is defined as “a small container with a narrow neck, used in ancient times for holding perfume or oil.”

Associations

The association of alabastra with perfume and oil is a common one, as these vessels were often used for storing and dispensing these substances. In ancient times, alabastra were often made from alabaster, a type of stone that was prized for its beauty and translucence.

Synonyms

Synonyms for alabastra include perfume vases, oil vessels, and scent bottles.

Antonyms

Antonyms for alabastra include large containers, wide-necked vessels, and storage jars.

The same root words

Words that share the same root as alabastra include alabaster, which is the type of stone from which many alabastra were made, and alabandine, which is a type of mineral that is often found in alabaster.

Example Sentences

1. The ancient Greeks used alabastra to hold their most precious perfumes and oils.
2. The alabastron was a common sight in the households of the wealthy in ancient times.
3. The alabastra found in the tomb were still filled with the perfumes that had been placed there thousands of years ago.
4. The alabastron was carefully crafted from the finest alabaster and adorned with intricate designs.
5. The alabastra were arranged on the shelf in a neat row, each one containing a different scent.