An ancient Greek or Roman jar with two handles and a narrow neck, used for storing wine, oil, or other liquids. The name means 'bearing on both sides' referring to its two handles.
From Greek 'amphi' (on both sides, around) + 'phoros' (bearing), meaning 'bearing on both sides.' This referred to the characteristic two handles that allowed the vessel to be carried from either side. The word passed through Latin 'amphora' into English in the 14th century.
An amphora literally 'bears on both sides' with its twin handles - it's a perfect example of how the root 'phoros' describes the physical act of carrying! While semaphore bears signals and euphoria bears feelings, amphora bears liquids, showing how versatile this ancient root is.
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