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Megalith: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ—ฟ
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megalith

 

[ หˆmษ›ษกษ™หŒlษชฮธ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ancient structures

A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a prehistoric structure or monument. These monumental stones are often associated with ancient civilizations and are frequently used in various forms of burial sites, religious practices, or ceremonial purposes. Megaliths are typically categorized based on their size and arrangement, which can range from single upright stones to elaborate stone circles. Examples include Stonehenge in England and the dolmens found in various cultures. The study of megaliths provides insight into the social and cultural practices of early societies.

Synonyms

boulder, monolith, stone monument.

Examples of usage

  • Stonehenge is a famous megalith.
  • The megaliths of Carnac attract many tourists.
  • Archaeologists study megaliths to learn about ancient cultures.
  • Megaliths often serve as burial sites.
  • Many megaliths are aligned with celestial events.

Translations

Translations of the word "megalith" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น megalito

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเฅ‡เค—เคพเคฒเคฟเคฅ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Megalith

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ megalit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะตะณะฐะปั–ั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ megalit

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅทจ็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉgalithe

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ megalito

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท megalit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑฐ์„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุบุงโ€Žู„ููŠุซ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ megalit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ megalit

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅทจ็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ megalit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ megalรญt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะตะณะฐะปะธั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒ’แƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒ—แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ meqalit

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ megalito

Etymology

The term 'megalith' is derived from the Greek words 'mega' meaning 'great' and 'lithos' meaning 'stone'. The use of megalithic structures dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of their existence found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. Megaliths are believed to have served multiple purposes, including marking territories, serving as burial markers, and facilitating rituals connected to agricultural cycles or celestial events. The construction of these structures required significant labor and organization, indicating that early human societies had complex social structures and a deep connection to their environment. As archaeological interest in megaliths grew in the 19th and 20th centuries, numerous sites were excavated and studied, revealing much about the ancient peoples who constructed these enduring monuments. Today, megaliths are valued not only for their historical significance but also as symbols of human ingenuity and the early quest for meaning in life's mysteries.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,249, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.