Agency Dictionary

Hydria

nounPronunciation: /ˈhaɪ.dri.ə/

In Portuguese: Hídria

History & Civilizations

What does “Hydria” mean?

An ancient Greek ceramic water vessel featuring three handles, used for carrying and pouring fresh water.

Etymology

From Latin hydria, borrowed from Ancient Greek hydria, "water jar", from hydor, "water". The Greek root hydor descends from Proto-Indo-European wed-, the source of English water and wet. In archaeology the word names a specific vessel shape with three handles: two horizontal for lifting and one vertical for pouring.

Usage note

Used almost exclusively in classical archaeology and art history. The plural follows the Latin form hydriae or the English pattern hydrias.

Synonyms

water jar
water vessel

Word family

hydraulic
hydrate
hydrogen
hydrology

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Issue.7 - Economy in Crisis Pt.1March 16, 2023Read the edition

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Also from these editions: terms

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Ephemeraladjective: Lasting for only a very brief period of time; fleeting, transitory, or impermanent in nature.
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