amphora








noun, plural am·pho·rae [am-fuh-ree] /ˈæm fəˌri/, am·pho·ras. Greek and Roman Antiquity.

  1. a large two-handled storage jar having an oval body, usually tapering to a point at the base, with a pair of handles extending from immediately below the lip to the shoulder: used chiefly for oil, wine, etc., and, set on a foot, as a commemorative vase awarded the victors in contests such as the Panathenaic games.

noun plural -phorae (-fəˌriː) or -phoras

  1. an ancient Greek or Roman two-handled narrow-necked jar for oil, wine, etc
n.

early 14c., “two-handled vessel for holding wine, oil, etc.,” from Latin amphora from Greek amphoreus “an amphora, jar, urn,” contraction of amphiphoreus, literally “two-handled,” from amphi- “on both sides” (see amphi-) + phoreus “bearer,” related to pherein “to bear” (see infer). Also a liquid measure in the ancient world, in Greece equal to 9 gallons, in Rome to 6 gallons, 7 pints.

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