acropolis

acrop·o·lis

noun \ə-ˈkrä-pə-ləs\

Definition of ACROPOLIS

: the upper fortified part of an ancient Greek city (as Athens); also : a usually fortified height of a city or district elsewhere (as in Central America)

Origin of ACROPOLIS

Greek akropolis, from akr- acr- + polis city — more at police

First Known Use: 1662

Rhymes with ACROPOLIS

cosmopolis, necropolis

acropolis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

The Acropolis, Athens.—© Neil Setchfield—Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

(Greek: “city at the top”) Central, defensively oriented district in ancient Greek cities, located on the highest ground and containing the chief municipal and religious buildings. The renowned Athens Acropolis (5th century BC), atop a craggy walled hill, is home to four main edifices—the Propylaea (see propylaeum), Parthenon, Erechtheum (Ionic temple noted for its caryatid porch), and Temple of Athena Nike—all built from white marble plentiful in the region.