Obelisk
/ˈɒbəlɪsk/noun
A tall, four-sided stone pillar tapering to a pyramid-shaped top.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Greek *obeliskos*, a diminutive of *obelos* (“spit” or “roasting skewer”), because the shape reminded Greeks of a pointed cooking tool.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
obeliskos
“a small spit or pointed stake; later, a pointed pillar”
Classical Greek
Greek
obelos
“a spit, skewer, or pointed rod”
Late Latin
Latin
obeliscus
“an obelisk, a tall pointed monument”
Old French
Old French
obelisque
“an obelisk”
Late Middle English
English
obeliske
“a tall, tapering stone pillar”