pyramidion

American  

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

noun

plural

pyramidia

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

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Etymology

Origin of pyramidion

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

Example Sentences

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

From Reuters • Jul. 9, 2012

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 King, James

Scenes of offerings to Ra Harmakhis, Hor, T�m, or Amen are engraved on the sides of the pyramidion and on the upper part of the prism.

From Manual of Egyptian Archaeology and Guide to the Study of Antiquities in Egypt by Maspero, G. (Gaston)

The short inscriptions of the pyramidion bear the oval of the king and the name of the divinity.

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

These points are, the batter, which is more rapid than in any obelisk known to me, and the pyramidion.

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