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adytum

adytum

9.9
A very private inner part of a place where only a few people can go
  • noun
  • /ˈædɪtəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : adyto
  • In the artist's studio, the adytum was filled with private sketches that no one else was allowed to see.

Examples

  • An Incarnate's adytum was his most strongly guarded space, for when his real body died, he died as well.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • "Lammiela sat rigidly in her most private room, her mental adytum.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The library had a special room, its adytum, where only a few scholars could access the rare manuscripts.

  • After years of exploration, he finally found the hidden adytum of the ancient temple, untouched by time.

Synonyms

sanctum
vsadytum
9 8.2

A private place where you can be alone and feel calm

is about the deepest inner area rather than any private retreat
hidey-hole
vsadytum
  • Informal
1 7.5

A small secret place to keep things safe or be alone

is about an inner secret part, not merely a small hiding spot
1 9.9

A private place where someone can be alone without being disturbed

is private and secluded but not necessarily the absolutely innermost sacred part
penetralium
vsadytum
  • Archaic
9.9

The most secret inner part of a building or place

is similar but used more generally for secluded areas
antre
vsadytum
  • Archaic
9.9

A secret cave that appears in old stories

is broader, meaning an inner or private area rather than a cave

Surface Forms

adytum singular
adyta plural

Etymology

Adytum comes from the Greek adyton, which means 'not to be entered', so a helpful way to remember it is as a private inner place. That's why adytum can be used for any secluded or secret room, like a study or workshop where only a few people go.