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, ˈtraɪlɪˌθɒn /

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

See Examples For:

trilithon

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

Another possible explanation of the trilithon is, as Sir Basil Thomson points out, that it served as a gateway to some sacred spot inland.

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

The boy remained in the hut, confronting the trilithon as if he expected yet more actors on the scene, but nobody else appeared. 

From A Changed Man; and other tales by Thomas Hardy

Here, too, as at Mnaidra, we find niches containing trilithon tables.

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

It was a Druidical trilithon, consisting of three oblong stones in the form of a doorway, two on end, and one across as a lintel. 

From A Changed Man; and other tales by Thomas Hardy