pylon

[ pahy-lon ]

noun

1. a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races.
2. a relatively tall structure at the side of a gate, bridge, or avenue, marking an entrance or approach.
3. a monumental tower forming the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple, consisting either of a pair of tall quadrilateral masonry masses with sloping sides and a doorway between them or of one such mass pierced with a doorway.
4. a steel tower or mast carrying high-tension lines, telephone wires, or other cables and lines.
5. Aeronautics. a finlike device used to attach engines, auxiliary fuel tanks, bombs, etc., to an aircraft wing or fuselage.

pylon

/ ˈpaɪlən /

noun

1. a large vertical steel tower-like structure supporting high-tension electrical cables
2. a post or tower for guiding pilots or marking a turning point in a race
3. a streamlined aircraft structure for attaching an engine pod, external fuel tank, etc, to the main body of the aircraft
4. a monumental gateway, such as one at the entrance to an ancient Egyptian temple
5. a temporary artificial leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of pylon¹

First recorded in 1840–50, pylon is from the Greek word pylṓn gateway, gate tower

Word History and Origins

Origin of pylon¹

C19: from Greek pulōn a gateway

Example Sentences

Fallen electricity pylons lined the motorway from the capital's west to Artemisa, and towns along the route were strewn with branches and debris from damaged homes.

From BBC

The previous Conservative government had signalled it was open to the idea of making cash payments to households in the path of new large electricity pylons, alongside existing community compensation schemes paid through consumer bills.

From BBC

Once we identified a possible location, we were able to match visible landmarks in the video to satellite images - in this case the buildings and pylons - confirming where in the city the attack took place.

From BBC

The fumble rolled around the pylon and out the side of the end zone for a touchback, giving the Cardinals possession at the 20.

From Los Angeles Times

The ball bounced inside the pylon and out of the end zone to give possession to the Cardinals.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• monument