Sarsen
/ˈsɑː.sən/noun
A hard siliceous sandstone, especially the large blocks used in prehistoric monuments such as Stonehenge.
Did you know?The name reflects a medieval habit of labeling mysterious ancient monuments “Saracen,” meaning non-Christian or foreign, rather than preserving their prehistoric identity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Sarakēnos
“Saracen; a term used for an Arab or non-Greek foreigner, whose deeper origin remains uncertain.”
Late Latin
Latin
Saracenus
“Saracen; an Arab or, increasingly, a Muslim or non-Christian foreigner.”
Middle English
English
sarasin
“Saracen; also used in compounds and descriptions for things regarded as foreign, pagan, or mysterious.”
Medieval English
English
Saracen stone
“A large, unexplained prehistoric stone imagined by later observers to be associated with non-Christian peoples.”
17th Century
English
sarsen
“A shortened form referring to the distinctive hard sandstone blocks of southern England.”
Modern English
English
sarsen
“Siliceous sandstone blocks, especially those used in Stonehenge and other prehistoric structures.”