adytum

noun

ad·​y·​tum ˈa-də-təm 

plural adyta ˈa-də-tə 

: the innermost sanctuary in an ancient temple open only to priests : sanctum

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin adytum, borrowed from Greek ádyton, neuter of ádytos "not to be entered," from a- a- entry 2 + -dytos, verbal adjective of dýein "to enter, make one's way into, sink," of uncertain origin

Note: Supposed kinship of the Greek verb with a Sanskrit gerundive upādútyaḥ "to be put on (of a belt)" is apparently groundless, as the Sanskrit word should properly be read as "to be burnt" and hence belongs with Sanskrit dunóti "(s/he) burns," Homeric Greek dédēe "blazes up" (see Karl Hoffmann, "Materialen zum altindischen Verbum," Zeitschrift für vergleichende Sprachforschung, Band 79 [1965], pp. 177-81). The Greek verb is thus deprived of any secure Indo-European comparisons, with the possible exception of Armenian enerk "immersed (something)."

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above