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strigil

noun
strig·​il | \ ˈstri-jÉ™l How to pronounce strigil (audio) \

Definition of strigil

: an instrument used by ancient Greeks and Romans for scraping moisture off the skin after bathing or exercising

Illustration of strigil

Illustration of strigil

Examples of strigil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Among the trove were two strigils, blunt hooks that Romans used to clean themselves and wipe off oil while bathing and that athletes used to scrape away sweat. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Construction Workers Find Rare Intact Roman Tomb," 13 June 2018 In fact, the strigil was considered the symbol of an athlete in the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Construction Workers Find Rare Intact Roman Tomb," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'strigil.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of strigil

1581, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for strigil

Latin strigilis; akin to Latin stringere to touch lightly

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with strigil

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