DictionaryRoot: Lykeion
Greek

Lykeion

the Lyceum

Forms

  • Lykeion
  • lyceum — The Latin form passed into English.

Origin

The name of an Athenian place associated with Apollo Lykeios; the meaning of that title is debated.

Note

Its association with Aristotle's school helped turn a place name into a name for learning institutions.

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noun

lyceum

A secondary school in certain countries.

She attends a lyceum in Poland and hopes to study medicine.

Etymology

The name of Aristotle's Athenian school became a general educational term. In several countries, it was adopted for an institution providing secondary education.

More examples

  • The lyceum offers courses in science, history, and foreign languages.
  • After finishing at the lyceum, he applies to a university.
  • Two local lyceums share a library.

Forms

lyceum · lyceums · lycea

Similar words

school
A broader term covering institutions at many educational levels.
high school
The usual American term for a school serving older teenagers.