acropolis Hear it!

acropolis Definition

acropo·lis (ə kräp′ə lis)

noun

the fortified upper part of an ancient Greek city

Etymology: Gr akropolis < akros (see acro-) + polis, city

Acropolis Definition

Acropo·lis (ə kräp′ə lis)

the fortified upper part of Athens, on which the Parthenon was built

acropolis Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • fortify: The walls had three gates and in the center of the city was a fortified acropolis with a single gate.
  • have: However, the Romans did, but they did not have a steep-sided rocky acropolis like Athens.

Adjective modifier

  • Athenian: Calton Hill One of Edinburgh's many hills, it is unmistakable with its Athenian style acropolis poking above the skyline.
  • ancient: Byzantine walls at Sparta, as elsewhere, fortify only ancient acropolis not civic center; place of refuge at time of attack.
  • central: The central acropolis is approximately 900 feet above sea level.
Acropolis Quotes

We've come full circle but the best remains the heart of the city, the greatest center of the greatest city, our Acropolis, where our Christmas tree is lighted.

—Moynihan, Daniel Patrick