noun

pyx

PIKS

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Pyx (noun) means In Roman Catholicism, a pyx is a small container, typically round, in which the consecrated host is kept, most often when a priest takes communion to someone housebound or too ill to attend Mass. Example: “The priest carried the pyx to the hospital to give communion to a dying parishioner.”

noun

religion In Roman Catholicism, a pyx is a small container, typically round, in which the consecrated host is kept, most often when a priest takes communion to someone housebound or too ill to attend Mass.

"The priest carried the pyx to the hospital to give communion to a dying parishioner."

"A silver pyx sat on the altar during the service."

"She kept the pyx locked in a cabinet in the sacristy."

chiefly UK In British minting, a pyx is a box used to hold sample coins that are set aside to have their metal purity and weight tested before the coins go into circulation.

"Sample coins from the year's production were sealed in the pyx."

"Officials opened the pyx as part of the annual trial."

"The pyx held coins chosen at random from each batch struck at the mint."

How to use pyx

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA pyx is a small box, either for carrying the communion host or for holding sample coins at a mint.

When to use it

The word belongs to specialist religious and numismatic vocabulary rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Context tells you which pyx is meant: a church setting points to the communion container, a mint setting to the coin-testing box.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

pyxis

Common pairings

carry the pyx silver pyx Trial of the Pyx open the pyx

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “pyx” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The priest carried the _____ to the hospital to give communion to a dying parishioner.

Etymology

Pyx comes from Late Middle English pix or pixe, itself from Late Latin pyxis, meaning a vessel for holding a host. This in turn traces back through Latin and Greek to a word for a box made of boxwood.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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pix

Frequently asked questions

What is a pyx used for in church?

A pyx is a small container, often round, used to hold the consecrated host, particularly when a priest brings communion to someone unable to attend Mass.

What is the Trial of the Pyx?

It is a British ceremony in which sample coins kept in a pyx are tested for their correct metal purity and weight before being released into circulation.

How is pyx pronounced?

Pyx is pronounced the same as the words picks or pix, as a single syllable.

What is the meaning of pyx?

"pyx" (noun) means in Roman Catholicism, a pyx is a small container, typically round, in which the consecrated host is kept, most often when a priest takes communion to someone housebound or too ill to attend Mass.