pyxis

• Nom désignant un type de capsule ou de boîte à graines chez certaines plantes, par exemple chez le plantain, dont la partie supérieure se détache pour libérer les graines ; également, historiquement, une petite boîte utilisée par les anciens Grecs pour conserver des médicaments.

A noun referring to a type of seed capsule in certain plants, such as the plantain, where the top part falls off to release the seeds; also historically a small box used by ancient Greeks to hold medicines.

1. Botanical capsuleC2formalscientific

   A type of dry fruit, such as that of the plantain, where the upper part detaches like a lid to release the seeds.

   Pyxide

   • The pyxis of the plantain splits open when the seeds are mature.
   • Botanists classify this fruit as a pyxis due to its unique dehiscence.
   • The seeds are released from the pyxis after the top falls off.

   Synonymespyxidium

2. Ancient Greek boxC2formal

   A small, lidded container used in ancient Greece for storing medicines, cosmetics, or jewelry.

   pyxis (boîte antique)

   • The archaeologist discovered a beautifully decorated pyxis in the tomb.
   • Ancient Greek women kept their perfumes in a pyxis.
   • The museum displayed a ceramic pyxis from the 5th century BC.