propylaeum

[ prop-uh-lee-uhm ]

noun

, plural prop·y·lae·a [prop-, uh, -, lee, -, uh].

1. Often propylaea. a vestibule or entrance to a temple area or other enclosure, especially when elaborate or of architectural importance.

propylaeum

/ ˌprɒpɪˈliːəm; ˈprɒpɪˌlɒn /

noun

1. a portico, esp one that forms the entrance to a temple

Word History and Origins

Origin of propylaeum¹

1700–10; < Latin < Greek propýlaion gateway, noun use of neuter of propýlaios before the gate, equivalent to pro- pro- ² + pýl ( ē ) gate + -aios adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of propylaeum¹

C18: via Latin from Greek propulaion before the gate, from pro- ² + pulē gate

Example Sentences

Here the visitor found another portal or propylaeum of a magnificent character.

From Project Gutenberg

Magazines with fine painted store jars came to light beneath the floor of the later “propylaeum.”

From Project Gutenberg

These, with the Propylaeum, before mentioned, come out wonderfully against a blue sky.

From Project Gutenberg

At Frankfort the dead-house occupies one of the wings of the propylaeum, which forms the main entrance to the cemetery.

From Project Gutenberg