sarsen

American  

[sahr-suhn] / ˈsɑr sən /

noun

1. any of numerous large sandstone blocks or fragments found in south-central England, probably remnants of eroded Tertiary beds.

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sarsen British  

/ ˈsɑːsən /

noun

1. geology a boulder of silicified sandstone, probably of Tertiary age, found in large numbers in S England

2. such a stone used in a megalithic monument

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Etymology

Origin of sarsen

1635–45; syncopated variant of Saracen, short for Saracen boulder Druid stone

Example Sentences

Other analysts say the sarsen stones may have served as a giant solar calendar so that people knew the time of year.

From Washington Post • May 31, 2022

Each sarsen stone needed at least 1,000 people to transport it over a distance of 15 miles.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2022

Stonehenge’s familiar ring of vertical standing stones are made of sarsen — a local sandstone weighing roughly 25 tons each.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2021

Researchers have pinpointed the origin of Stonehenge’s giant sarsen stones after a sample that was taken from the site more than 60 years ago was finally returned.

From Nature • Jul. 29, 2020

By the huge boulder of sarsen, whose shoulder projected but a few inches—in stormy times a dangerous rock to mariners—and then into the unknown narrow seas between the endless osier-beds and withy-covered isles.

From The Amateur Poacher by Jefferies, Richard