pylon

American  

[pahy-lon] / ˈpaɪ lɒn /

noun

1. a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races.

2. a relatively tall structure at the side of a gate, bridge, or avenue, marking an entrance or approach.

3. a monumental tower forming the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple, consisting either of a pair of tall quadrilateral masonry masses with sloping sides and a doorway between them or of one such mass pierced with a doorway.

4. a steel tower or mast carrying high-tension lines, telephone wires, or other cables and lines.

5. Aeronautics. a finlike device used to attach engines, auxiliary fuel tanks, bombs, etc., to an aircraft wing or fuselage.

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pylon British  

/ ˈpaɪlən /

noun

1. a large vertical steel tower-like structure supporting high-tension electrical cables

2. a post or tower for guiding pilots or marking a turning point in a race

3. a streamlined aircraft structure for attaching an engine pod, external fuel tank, etc, to the main body of the aircraft

4. a monumental gateway, such as one at the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple

5. a temporary artificial leg

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Etymology

Origin of pylon

First recorded in 1840–50, pylon is from the Greek word pylṓn gateway, gate tower

Example Sentences

The German capital also suffered a major power outage affecting tens of thousands of residents in September after a blaze hit electricity pylons.

From Barron's

Giffey said Saturday's outage was worse than one in September, when tens of thousands were also left without power in Berlin after a blaze hit electricity pylons.

From Barron's

The ball bounced out of bounds, hitting the pylon on its way out for a safety, extending the Ole Miss lead to 39-34.

From Los Angeles Times

A Jewish menorah was projected on to the pylons of the Harbour Bridge.

From BBC

Some transmission lines and pylons are nearing 100 years of service and have never had major overhauls, the company said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• monument