cromlech

[ krom-lek ]

noun

, Archaeology.

1. (no longer in technical use) a megalithic chamber tomb.

cromlech

/ ˈkrɒmlɛk /

noun

1. a circle of prehistoric standing stones
2. (no longer in technical usage) a megalithic chamber tomb or dolmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of cromlech¹

1595–1605; < Welsh, equivalent to crom bent, curved, crooked (feminine of crwm ) + lech, combining form of llech flat stone

Word History and Origins

Origin of cromlech¹

C17: from Welsh, from crom, feminine of crwm bent, arched + llech flat stone

Example Sentences

But even those trees seemed modern when we visited the Almendres Cromlech, a megalithic enclosure of 95 man-sized stones, just outside of Evora.

From Wall Street Journal

Learn the lingo of the mysterious megaliths while visiting a dolmen, thought to be a burial site; a cromlech, which is a gathering place on the winter and summer solstice as well as for other ancient rituals around a grouping of elliptical, granite stones; and a menhir, a solitary, phallic rock most likely associated with fertility rites.

From Washington Times

In autumn a memorial garden will be created around the stone cromlech to complete what is a lasting reminder of the sacrifice made by the people of Wales who fought in the First World War.

From BBC

The cromlech built in Langemark, Belgium, marked the 100th anniversary of the war's outbreak and followed years of campaigning by those who wanted a permanent dedication to the fallen.

From BBC

The cromlech built in Langemark, Belgium is marking the 100th anniversary of the war's outbreak.

From BBC