rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: polis
Greek

polis

city, citadel

1 / 3
Compact ancient Greek hilltop citadel: fortified stone wall crowns rocky raised hill enclosing a small columned temple, a few lower city houses at base establish HIGH fortified portion.
proper noun / noun

acropolis

uh-KRAH-puh-lis/əˈkrɑːpəlɪs/

A fortified hilltop district of an ancient Greek city.

Etymology
acroGreekhighest, upper
+polisGreekcity, citadel

An acropolis is literally an upper city. This elevated area was often the original settlement and usually a citadel, so the name joins its position above the city with its role as a fortified stronghold.

Full entry

Related word entries