Definitions

1. noun

plural of ostracum, a piece of broken pottery used as a voting token in ancient Greece, or a fragment of a broken earthenware vessel used for writing, especially in ancient Egypt.

“The archaeologist carefully transcribed the ancient text on the ostraca, gaining valuable insights into the culture of the time.”

2. noun

a piece of pottery or stone with inscriptions or graffiti, especially from ancient times.

“The museum exhibit featured several ostraca with fascinating examples of ancient graffiti.”