pyxis

noun

A capsule dehiscing transversely by a lid that falls off to release the seeds.

noun

In old arms and armor, an engine-of-war: probably the same as culverin, the early form of cannon.

noun

In Greek antiquity and archaeology, a type of cylindrical vase or box with a cover, used especially by women, as for the toilet. See cut in preceding column.

noun

A box; a jewel-case.

noun

In anatomy, the cotyloid cavity, or acetabulum of the hip-joint.

noun

[capitalized] A genus of brachiopods

noun

[capitalized] In conchology, a genus of gastropods.

noun

[capitalized] A genus of land-tortoises of the family Testudinidæ, having the anterior part of the plastron so movable that it can be shut like the lid of a pyxis.

noun

A tortoise of this genus, the only known species, Pyxis arachnoidea, of Madagascar and Mauritius. Its shell is yellow, with broad black bands radiating from the center of the dorsal shields.

noun

[capitalized] In entomology, a genus of coleopterous insects.