pyramidion

American  

[pir-uh-mid-ee-uhn, -on] / ˌpɪr əˈmɪd i ən, -ˌɒn /

noun

• pyramidia
  plural

1. a miniature pyramid, as at the apex of an obelisk.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• pyramidia
  plural

Etymology

Origin of pyramidion

1830–40; < New Latin, equivalent to pȳramid- pyramid + -ion diminutive suffix < Greek

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pyramidion pyramidia

The worst damage was at the top, at the four-sided pyramidion.

From Reuters ● Jul. 9, 2012

The height of the pyramidion is equal to the length of a side of the base of the shaft, and therefore greater than the side of its own base.

From History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument Society by Frederick Loviad Harvey

On the pyramidion of the obelisk he is represented by a sphinx presenting gifts of water and wine to Tum, the setting sun, a solar deity worshipped at Heliopolis.

From Cleopatra's Needle A History of the London Obelisk, with an Exposition of the Hieroglyphics by James King

It has been said that it was sometimes surmounted by a gilt star, but I doubt this, for the casing of the pyramidion would of itself have much the same effect.

From History of the Washington National Monument and of the Washington National Monument Society by Frederick Loviad Harvey

The pyramidion which terminates them generally represents in its sculptures the king who erected the obelisk making different offerings to the principal deity of the temple, and to other divinities.

From Museum of Antiquity A Description of Ancient Life by T. L. (Thomas Louis) Haines

The pyramidia of Hatasu’s obelisks at Karnak were covered with gold.

From Cleopatra's Needle A History of the London Obelisk, with an Exposition of the Hieroglyphics by James King