Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

larnax

noun
lar·nax | \ˈlärˌnaks\
plural larnakes\-nəˌkēz \

Definition of larnax 

: a chest usually of terra cotta and often ornamented that was used in ancient Greece especially as a sepulchral chest

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for larnax

Greek, perhaps alteration of (assumed) Greek narnax (whence Late Greek narnax chest); akin to Old English nearu narrow

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about larnax

Dictionary Entries near larnax

Larmor precession

larmoyant

Larnaudian

larnax

Larne

larnite

La Rochefoucauld

Statistics for larnax

Look-up Popularity

Comments on larnax

What made you want to look up larnax? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

mawkish

exaggeratedly or childishly emotional

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games