Pylon
/ˈpaɪ.lɒn/noun
A tall, often monumental gateway or tower-like structure; also a tall supporting mast or frame.
Did you know?In ancient Egyptian architecture, a pylon was the ceremonial front gateway of a temple complex, designed as a symbolic threshold between the human world and the sacred realm.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πύλη (pýlē)
“gate, entrance”
Late Greek
Greek
πυλών (pylṓn)
“gateway, large gate”
Latin
Latin
pylon
“gateway; monumental gate”
19th Century
English
pylon
“a monumental gateway in Egyptian-style architecture”
Modern English
English
pylon
“a tall support structure, tower, or gateway-like form”