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Definition of larnax
larnax
/ˈlɑːr.næks/
lar · nax
Plural:larnakes
larnax Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
larnax Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A type of small closed coffin, box, or ash-chest used in ancient Minoan and Greek cultures as a container for human remains, often crafted from terracotta and elaborately decorated.
Example
"During the excavation of the Minoan tomb, archaeologists uncovered a beautifully painted terracotta larnax containing skeletal remains."
2
A box, chest, or coffer used in ancient Greece for storing everyday household items, textiles, or precious objects.
Example
"Classical texts occasionally describe a larnax being used to securely store valuable jewelry and folded garments in a wealthy household."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for larnaxWord Origin & Etymology
From Ancient Greek λάρναξ (lárnax), meaning 'box, chest, or coffer'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Larnax. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/larnax