Lewis & Short

amphŏra,, ae (gen. plur. as a measure, usually amphorūm, v infra, II.; cf. Charis. p. 41 P.), f., = ἀμφορεύς, a vessel, usually made of clay, with two handles or ears; for liquids, esp. wine, a flagon, pitcher. flask, bottle, jar, etc.; cf. Smith, Dict. Antiq.

  1. I. Lit.: amphoras implere, Cato, R. R. 113, 2: amphora coepit Institui, Hor. A. P. 22; so id. C. 3, 8, 11; 3, 16, 34; Petr. 34 al.
    Also for holding wine: amphora vini, Vulg. 1 Reg. 1, 24; ib. Dan. 14, 2; oil: amphorae oleariae, Cato, R. R. 10, 2; honey: aut pressa puris mella condit amphoris, Hor. Epod. 2, 15; water: amphoram aquae portans, Vulg. Luc. 22, 10.
    Poet. for the wine contained therein, Hor. C. 3, 28, 8.
  2. II. Transf.
    1. A. A measure for liquids (also called quadrantal; cf. Fest. p. 258 Müll.), = 2 urnae, or 8 congii, etc. = 6 gals. 7 pts.: in singulas vini amphoras, Cic. Font. 5, 9; Plin. 9, 30, 48, § 93. Since such a measure was kept as a standard at the Capitolium, amphora Capitolina signifies an amphora of the full measure, Capitol. Max. 4.
    2. B. The measure of a ship (as the ton with us): naves, quarum minor nulla erat duūm milium amphorūm, Lentul. ap. Cic. Fam. 12, 15, 2; Plin. 6, 22, 24, § 82: navem, quae plus quam CCC. amphorarum esset, Liv. 21, 63.