sarsen

American  

[sahr-suhn] / ˈsɑr sən /

noun

1. any of numerous large sandstone blocks or fragments found in south-central England, probably remnants of eroded Tertiary beds.

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sarsen British  

/ ˈsɑːsən /

noun

1. geology a boulder of silicified sandstone, probably of Tertiary age, found in large numbers in S England

2. such a stone used in a megalithic monument

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Etymology

Origin of sarsen

1635–45; syncopated variant of Saracen, short for Saracen boulder Druid stone

Example Sentences

Other analysts say the sarsen stones may have served as a giant solar calendar so that people knew the time of year.

From Washington Post • May 31, 2022

The sarsen stones were pounded into shape by circular hammerstones, several examples of which were recently discovered and are on show in an exhibition vitrine.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2022

Stonehenge’s familiar ring of vertical standing stones are made of sarsen — a local sandstone weighing roughly 25 tons each.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2021

Researchers have pinpointed the origin of Stonehenge’s giant sarsen stones after a sample that was taken from the site more than 60 years ago was finally returned.

From Nature • Jul. 29, 2020

A row of sarsen stones at irregular intervals were intended to afford firm footing to the wayfarer, but they were nothing more than traps for the unwary.

From Hodge and His Masters by Jefferies, Richard