sarsen
Americannoun
noun
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geology a boulder of silicified sandstone, probably of Tertiary age, found in large numbers in S England
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such a stone used in a megalithic monument
Etymology
Origin of sarsen
1635–45; syncopated variant of Saracen, short for Saracen boulder Druid stone
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
The sarsen cylinder offered Dr. Nash the unique opportunity to analyze a sample unaffected by surface weathering, which can slightly alter the chemical composition.
From New York Times ● Jul. 29, 2020
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 Richard Jefferies
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
