rhyton

noun

rhy·​ton ˈrī-ˌtän How to pronounce rhyton (audio)
: any of various ornate drinking vessels of ancient times typically shaped in part like an animal or animal's head

Illustration of rhyton

Illustration of rhyton

Examples of rhyton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Orontid Dynasty, which ruled the region starting in the 6th century BCE, drank wine from silver rhytons and likely had undocumented toasting traditions of their own. Benjamin Kemper, Smithsonian, 13 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rhyton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek, neuter of rhytos flowing, from rhein to flow — more at stream

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhyton was in 1820

Dictionary Entries Near rhyton

Cite this Entry

“Rhyton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhyton. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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