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

He walked once round the trilithon, and next advanced towards the clump concealing the hut, the moonlight shining full upon his face and revealing him to be the Duke. 

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

If it was indeed a memorial of a dead king, it might be thought to strengthen the view that the great trilithon was also set up as a monument to a deceased monarch or Tooitonga.

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

It is natural to compare the trilithon of Tongataboo with the famous trilithons of Stonehenge, which it resembles in plan and to which it is comparable in size.

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

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 Hardy, Thomas