xystus definition - Dictionaries

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xystus [ zístəss ] (plural xystuses) or xyst [ zist ] (plural xysts)

noun

Definition:

1. ancient Greek covered exercise area: in ancient Greece, a long walkway with a roof supported by pillars, used for athletics

2. ancient Roman path: in ancient Rome, a covered or open path in a garden, lined with trees or pillars

[Mid-17th century. Via Latin< Greek xustos 'covered colonnade', literally 'smooth' (from its polished floor) < xuein 'to scrape']

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