Standard Lemma guide

cist

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈsɪst/
  • /ˈkɪst/
  • rhymes with -ɪst
  • homophone: cyst
  • homophone: kissed
  • CMU ARPABET: S IH1 S T Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A small receptacle for sacred utensils carried in festivals in Ancient Greece.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: historical

Qualifier: Ancient Greece

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A crypt cut into rock, chalk, or a tree trunk, especially a coffin formed by placing stone slabs on edge and topping them with a horizontal slab or slabs.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: archaeology, history, human-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin cista, from Ancient Greek κίστη (kístē). Doublet of chest.

Borrowed from Welsh cist (“chest”) (see kistvaen), from Latin cista (“chest, casket”), see above.