pancratium

noun

pan·​cra·​ti·​um pan-ˈkrā-shē-əm How to pronounce pancratium (audio)
: an ancient Greek athletic contest involving both boxing and wrestling

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek pankration, from pan- + kratos strength — more at hard

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pancratium was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near pancratium

Cite this Entry

“Pancratium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pancratium. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pancratium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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