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Dolmen: meaning, definitions and examples

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dolmen

 

[ หˆdoสŠlmษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

archaeology, structure

A dolmen is a megalithic structure consisting of a large flat stone supported by upright stones. It is typically seen as a tomb or burial site, often associated with ancient religious practices. Dolmens are commonly found across Europe and Asia, particularly in regions with prehistoric cultures.

Synonyms

burial chamber, megalithic tomb

Examples of usage

  • The archaeologists discovered several dolmens in the ancient burial site.
  • Dolmens are often shrouded in mystery, attracting researchers and tourists alike.
  • In many cultures, dolmens were believed to be gateways to the afterlife.

Translations

Translations of the word "dolmen" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคกเฅ‹เคฒเคฎเฅ‡เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะพะปะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ‰ใƒซใƒกใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ dรณlmen

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Œ๋ฉ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏูˆู„ู…ู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทจ็Ÿณๅข“

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะพะปะผะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒšแƒ›แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dolmen

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ dรณlmen

Etymology

The term 'dolmen' originates from the Breton language, where 'dol' means 'table' and 'men' means 'stone'. This reflects the structure's appearance, resembling a tabletop supported by stone legs. Dolmens are primarily associated with the Neolithic period, dated between 5000 and 3000 BCE, and have been discovered in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, the Near East, and parts of Asia. They serve as a testament to the architectural skills and ritual practices of ancient peoples. While the exact functions of these structures remain subjects of debate among archaeologists, it is widely accepted that many dolmens were used for burial purposes, often housing the remains of important individuals. Some dolmens feature intricate carvings and alignments that suggest they were also used for astronomical observation or ritualistic purposes. Over time, dolmens have become significant cultural symbols, often linked to folklore and mythology, further enhancing their historical and archaeological importance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,896, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.