phyle

()

noun pl. phylae

the largest political subdivision in the ancient Athenian state

Origin: ModL < Gr phylē, tribe, akin to phyein: see be

See phyle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. phy·lae (-lē)
A large citizens' organization based on kinship, constituting the largest political subdivision of an ancient Greek city-state.

Origin:

Origin: Greek phūlē, tribe, phyle; see bheuə- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • phyˈlic adjective
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