trilithon

American  

[trahy-lith-on, trahy-luh-thon] / traɪˈlɪθ ɒn, ˈtraɪ ləˈθɒn /

Also trilith

noun

1. a prehistoric structure consisting of two upright stones supporting a horizontal stone.

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trilithon British  

/ traɪˈlɪθɒn, ˈtraɪlɪθ, ˈtraɪlɪˌθɒn, traɪˈlɪθɪk /

noun

1. a structure consisting of two upright stones with a third placed across the top, such as those of Stonehenge

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Other Word Forms

• trilithic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of trilithon

1730–40; < Greek trílithon, neuter of trílithos having three stones. See tri-, -lith

Example Sentences

Here a trilithon lintel is being replaced following the re-erection of Stones 6 and 7, and their setting in concrete.

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2015

Each trilithon, as the name implies, consists of three stones, two of which are uprights, the third being laid horizontally across the top.

From Rough Stone Monuments and Their Builders by Peet, T. Eric (Thomas Eric)

Crossing anew the down between the hut and the trilithon, and scanning the precincts as if finally to assure himself that she had not come, he rode slowly downwards in the direction of Shakeforest Towers.

From A Changed Man; and other tales by Hardy, Thomas

Each has a short entrance avenue which narrows as it approaches the circle, and in the centre of each rises a trilithon of rough stones.

From Rough Stone Monuments and Their Builders by Peet, T. Eric (Thomas Eric)

In the second place, the cross-stone of the Tongan trilithon is mortised much more deeply into the uprights than are the cross-stones at Stonehenge.

From The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead Vol. II by Frazer, James George, Sir