Plural of 'cylix,' which refers to an ancient Greek drinking cup with a wide, shallow bowl and a stem with a foot.
From Greek 'kylix' (drinking cup), plural 'kylikes.' The word entered English through classical archaeology and Greek studies. The term refers to a specific form of ancient pottery that appeared frequently in Greek art and literature.
Ancient Greek parties (symposia) featured cylices as status symbols—the fancier your cup, the more prestigious your gathering—and some of the most beautiful examples were painted with scenes so intricate that archaeologists can still read the artist's signatures on them!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.