Definition

A piece of pottery or stone used in ancient times, often for writing or voting.

Example

In ancient Greece, citizens would write names on an ostrakon to vote for banishment.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an ostrakon?

Yeah, I think it's an ancient pottery shard used for writing, right?

Exactly! They used it for voting and recording things.

That's so interesting; I love learning about historical artifacts.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ostrakon → It originates from the Greek word "ostrakon" (meaning shell or potsherd). In ancient Greece, it referred to a piece of pottery used for voting, particularly in the context of ostracism, where citizens would vote to exile someone from the city-state.

Memory Tip

Imagine a shell or piece of pottery being used for voting — that's how ostrakon connects to the idea of casting a vote in ancient Greece.

Visually Confused Words