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Byzantine

//ˈbɪzəntiːn// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Of or pertaining to Byzantium.
  2. 2
    Alternative letter-case form of Byzantine (figurative senses only). alt-of

    "The result is a byzantine system of government directed by 160 ministers, a structure that absorbs 50 percent of Bosnia’s gross domestic product of $15 billion, according to the World Bank."

  3. 3
    Belonging to the civilization of the Eastern Roman Empire between 331, when its capital was moved to Constantinople, and 1453, when that capital was conquered by the Turks and ultimately renamed Istanbul.
  4. 4
    Of a style of architecture prevalent in the Eastern Empire down to 1453, marked by the round arch springing from columns or piers, the dome supported upon pendentives, capitals elaborately sculptured, mosaic or other encrustations, etc.
  5. 5
    Overly complex or intricate, especially of bureaucracy. figuratively, lowercase, often

    "a Byzantine system of regulations"

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  1. 6
    Of a devious, usually stealthy, manner or practice. figuratively, lowercase, often

    "It’s also important to note that this analysis deals solely with intrinsic failure, or the odds of a conspiracy being exposed intentionally or accidentally by actors involved—extrinsic analysis by non-participants would also increase the odds of detection, rendering such Byzantine cover-ups far more likely to fail."

  2. 7
    Of or relating to the Byzantine Rite or any of the many Eastern Orthodox churches and Greek Catholic churches that use this rite for their liturgical celebrations.

    "This was the crowning incident of our visit, and I wondered with what Byzantine ritual the Anointed One fresh from the exercise of his priestly functions would be received among his women."

Adjective
  1. 1
    highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious wordnet
  2. 2
    of or relating to or characteristic of the Byzantine Empire or the ancient city of Byzantium wordnet
  3. 3
    of or relating to the Eastern Orthodox Church or the rites performed in it wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    A native of Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul) or of the Byzantine empire countable, historical, uncountable
  2. 2
    A byzant (coin). historical
  3. 3
    a native or inhabitant of Byzantium or of the Byzantine Empire wordnet
  4. 4
    Alternative form of byzantine (coin) alt-of, alternative, countable, uncountable
  5. 5
    A dark, metallic shade of violet. countable, uncountable

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Late Latin byzantinus, from Byzantium, from Ancient Greek Βυζάντιον (Buzántion). The figurative senses evoke the reputation for palace intrigue of the Byzantine imperial court.

Etymology 2

From Late Latin byzantinus, from Byzantium, from Ancient Greek Βυζάντιον (Buzántion). The figurative senses evoke the reputation for palace intrigue of the Byzantine imperial court.

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