pyramid

pyramid [pir′ə mid]

n.

[L pyramis (gen. pyramidis) < Gr, pyramid: replaced ME piramis, also < L]

1. any huge structure with a square base and four sloping, triangular sides meeting at the top, as those built by the ancient Egyptians for royal tombs

2. an object, formation, structure, or organization shaped like or suggesting a pyramid

3. a crystal form in which as many as 12 sloping faces intersect at a point

4. Geom. a solid figure having a polygonal base, the sides of which form the bases of triangular surfaces meeting at a common vertex

vi., vt.

1. to build up, mass, or heap in the form of a pyramid

☆ 2. to engage in (a series of buying or selling operations) during an upward or downward trend in the stock market, working on margin with the profits made in the transactions

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the Great Pyramids or the Pyramids

the three large pyramids at Gîza, Egypt: the largest is the Pyramid of Khufu

pyramidal [pi ram′i dəl]

adj.

pyramidally

adv.

pyramidic

adj.

pyramidical