Cyclopean

American  

[sahy-kluh-pee-uhn, sahy-klop-ee-uhn] / ˌsaɪ kləˈpi ən, saɪˈklɒp i ən /

adjective

1. of or characteristic of the Cyclops.

2. (sometimes lowercase) gigantic; vast.

3. (usually lowercase) formed with or containing large, undressed stones fitted closely together without the use of mortar.

   a cyclopean wall.

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Cyclopean British  

/ ˌsaɪkləʊˈpiːən, saɪˈkləʊpɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling the Cyclops

2. denoting, relating to, or having the kind of masonry used in preclassical Greek architecture, characterized by large dry undressed blocks of stone

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Etymology

Origin of Cyclopean

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin Cyclōpē(us), from Greek Kyklṓpeios (equivalent to Kýklōp(s) + -eios adjective suffix) + -an; Cyclops, -eous, -an

Example Sentences

Excavations conducted on and around the Cyclopean terrace revealed an elite district composed of plazas, paved roads and administrative buildings, with large megara, or great halls used for formal events, at the center.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2022

Never mind the camera, with its rigid Cyclopean vision.

From The Guardian • Jan. 13, 2017

Like the obsidian vaults of my drowned Cyclopean city, his positions are blurred and fuzzy.

From Washington Post • Mar. 22, 2016

Some sort of gun-metal gray canister has been squashed and made useless, its flattened valve staring out like a Cyclopean eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2015

He stopped, squinting at me with Cyclopean irritation.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison