tumulus

[ too-myuh-luhs, tyoo- ]

noun

, plural tu·mu·lus·es, tu·mu·li [too, -my, uh, -lahy, tyoo, -].

1. Archaeology. an artificial mound, especially over a grave; barrow.
2. Geology. a domelike swelling or mound formed in congealed lava.

tumulus

/ ˈtjuːmjʊləs /

noun

1. archaeol (no longer in technical usage) another word for barrow 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumulus¹

1680–90; < Latin: mound, swelling, equivalent to tum ( ēre ) to swell + -ulus -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of tumulus¹

C17: from Latin: a hillock, from tumēre to swell up

Example Sentences

The pile was then fired and when wood and body had been consumed, earth was heaped over the ashes into a mound (tumulus).

From Project Gutenberg

It is on this summit, and on one of the most elevated parts of it, that the great tumulus stands.

From Project Gutenberg

We have, indeed, in Thessaly, "a large tumulus which contained a silver urn with burned remains."

From Project Gutenberg

The monuments were generally adequately protected against this by the thick tumulus.

From Project Gutenberg

The tumulus was enlarged proportionately and usually completely covered the chamber.

From Project Gutenberg