ἄθος

Ancient Greek

See also: ἀθός

Pronunciation

 

• IPA^(key): /ˈa.θos/

• (10^th CE Byzantine) IPA^(key): /ˈa.θos/
• (15^th CE Constantinopolitan) IPA^(key): /ˈa.θos/

Etymology 1

From Koine Greek ἄνθος (ánthos, “flower”) following Medieval Greek phonotactics where nasals are dropped before fricatives ([nθ] → [θ]).

Noun

ἄθος • (áthos) n (genitive ἄθους); third declension (Byzantine)

1. (Byzantine) flower, blossom
2. (Byzantine) (figuratively) an ornament, beautiful object or person
3. (Byzantine) (colloquial) an endearing term of address
4. (Byzantine) (figuratively) a select group of people, cream of the crop
5. (Byzantine) (figuratively) effect or consequence, fruit of one's actions

Derived terms

• ἀθόγαλο (athógalo)
• ἀθολογῶ (athologô)
• ἀθότυρον (athóturon)

 

Etymology 2

Probably related to Ionic Greek αἴθω (aíthō, “to ignite”) and Koine Greek αἰθάλη (aithálē, “soot”).

Noun

ἄθος • (áthos) n (genitive ἄθους); third declension (Byzantine)

1. (Byzantine) ash, cinder
   • ca 1590–1610, Vitsentzos Kornaros, Erotokritos, Β' 254:

     ...καίγεται, κὶ ἄθος γίνεται, καὶ πάλιν ξανανιώνει

     ...kaígetai, kì áthos gínetai, kaì pálin xananiṓnei

     ...it burns, and it becomes ash, and again it is revitalised

References

ἄθος - Kriaras, Emmanuel (1969-) Επιτομή του Λεξικού της Μεσαιωνικής Ελληνικής Δημώδους Γραμματείας (Epitomí tou Lexikoú tis Mesaionikís Ellinikís Dimódous Grammateías) (in Greek), Thessaloniki: Centre for the Greek language Online edition (abbreviations) Printed edition 2022: 22 vols.)