alabastron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical, Museological
Quick answer
What does “alabastron” mean?
An elongated, narrow-necked vessel used in ancient Greece for storing perfumed oil.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An elongated, narrow-necked vessel used in ancient Greece for storing perfumed oil.
In archaeology and art history, a specific type of small, handle-less perfume or cosmetic oil flask from the ancient Mediterranean world.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; both regions use the term with its precise, technical meaning in academic contexts.
Connotations
Scholarly, specialised, historical. It carries no emotional or cultural connotations beyond its academic reference.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general use; frequency is identical in both varieties and confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “alabastron” in a Sentence
The [material/period] alabastron [was discovered/contained]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The Corinthian alabastron exhibited typical black-figure decoration.
Technical
Catalogued as an alabastron, inv. no. GR 1888.06-1.2, with a height of 18.7 cm.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alabastron”
- Spelling: 'alabastrum' (incorrect Latinisation) or 'alabaster' (the mineral).
- Pronunciation: Stressing the first syllable (/ˈæləbæstrɒn/) is incorrect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They share a Greek root referring to the mineral alabaster, from which some early vessels were made, but 'alabastron' specifically denotes the vessel type, while 'alabaster' is the stone.
It is highly unlikely. This is a C2-level technical term known primarily to specialists in archaeology, art history, or museum studies.
An alabastron is small, handle-less, and designed for personal cosmetics/perfumes. An amphora is a large, two-handled storage jar for transporting goods like wine or oil.
Yes, both 'alabastrons' (anglicised) and 'alabastra' (direct from Greek/Latin) are acceptable plurals in academic writing, with 'alabastra' being more traditional.
An elongated, narrow-necked vessel used in ancient Greece for storing perfumed oil.
Alabastron is usually academic, technical, museological in register.
Alabastron: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæləˈbæstrɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæləˈbæstrɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No idioms exist for this highly technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A LAB of perfumes stored in an ANCIENT vase = A-LAB-A-STRON.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR PRECIOUSNESS / VESSEL OF ANTIQUITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'alabastron' primarily used?