scytale

noun

scyt·​a·​le
ˈsitᵊl(ˌ)ē
plural -s
1
: a method of cipher writing used especially by the Spartans in which a narrow strip of parchment was wound on a rod and the message written across the adjoining edges
2
a
: a message written in the scytale cipher
b
: a parchment bearing such a message

Word History

Etymology

Latin scytale, scytala, scutula, from Greek skytalē staff, cylinder, message

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Dictionary Entries Near scytale

Cite this Entry

“Scytale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scytale. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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