Learn Greek › B2 › ξίφος
ξίφος
sword /ˈksifos/
nounB2#2426 most common
Also: blade
Example sentences
Το ξίφος είναι κοφτερό.
The sword is sharp.
Ο στρατιώτης κρατάει ένα ξίφος.
The soldier holds a sword.
Ο ήρωας τράβηξε το ξίφος του από το θηκάρι.
The hero drew his sword from its sheath.
Στο μουσείο εκτίθενται αρχαία ξίφη από τον Μεσαίωνα.
Ancient swords from the Middle Ages are on display in the museum.
Η κατασκευή ενός ξίφους απαιτούσε μεγάλη δεξιοτεχνία από τον σιδηρουργό.
Making a sword required great skill from the blacksmith.
Το ξίφος, σύμβολο εξουσίας και τιμής, κατείχε κεντρική θέση στην ιπποτική παράδοση.
The sword, a symbol of power and honor, held a central place in the chivalric tradition.
Declension
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ξίφος | ξίφη |
| Genitive | ξίφους | ξιφών |
| Accusative | ξίφος | ξίφη |
| Vocative | ξίφος | ξίφη |
Word family
ξιφίαςswordfish
ξιφασκίαfencing (the sport)
ξιφομαχίαswordfight
ξιφοφόροςsword-bearing
Etymology
Ξίφος is an ancient Greek word already used by Homer for a sword, especially a straight, double-edged type as opposed to the curved μάχαιρα. Its origin is disputed. Many scholars, including Beekes, judge it likely a pre-Greek substrate word rather than an inherited Indo-European term, so no secure Proto-Indo-European root can be given. The word passed into English through scientific Latin as the root of "xiphoid."
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