Pyramid
/ˈpɪr.ə.mɪd/noun
A structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet at a point, often associated with ancient Egyptian tombs.
Did you know?The term "pyramid" is believed to be derived from the ancient Egyptian word for 'great house', symbolizing the connection between the earth and the heavens in a mystical ascension.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Egyptian
Egyptian
pr-md
“'Great house', referring to monumental structures that serve as tombs for the pharaohs.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pyramís
“A term related to 'wheat cake' or 'pyramid', reflecting the shape of these ancient structures.”
Latin
Latin
pyramidis
“Direct borrowing from Greek, used to describe the same triangular structures.”
Middle English
Middle English
piramide
“Adopted from Latin, used to denote the Egyptian tombs.”
Modern English
English
pyramid
“The current form used to describe the iconic ancient structures.”