neuter of alabastros (of uncertain derivation), the name of a stone; properly, an "alabaster" box, i.e. (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material):--(alabaster) box.
- a box made of alabaster in which unguents are preserved
The ancients considered alabaster to be the best material inwhich to preserve their ointments. Breaking the box, probablymeans breaking the seal of the box.
