p-y-r-a-m-i-d
PYRAMID is a monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet at a point at the top, especially those built by ancient civilizations.
15
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
PYRAMID refers to a structure with a polygonal base and triangular faces that converge to a single point at the top. Most famously associated with ancient Egypt, pyramids were built as tombs for pharaohs and are among humanity's most enduring architectural achievements. Beyond architecture, the pyramid shape appears in many contexts: organizational hierarchies, food pyramids for nutrition, population pyramids in demographics, and pyramid schemes in economics. The geometric form represents stability, aspiration, and the convergence of many elements toward a single goal.Common types and uses:
The word pyramid comes from Greek pyramis (plural pyramides), which was likely borrowed from Egyptian, though the exact Egyptian source is debated. Some scholars suggest it derives from Egyptian pimar or pimare, while others propose per-em-us meaning "height." The Greek term may have been influenced by pyr (fire), possibly referring to the pyramid's pointed shape resembling a flame. The word entered Latin as pyramis and came to English via Old French piramide in the 14th century. Interestingly, ancient Egyptians called pyramids mer, meaning "place of ascension," reflecting their belief that these structures helped pharaohs ascend to the afterlife.
•The Great Pyramid of Giza was the world's tallest building for over 3,800 years
•The pyramid shape is the most stable architectural form, distributing weight evenly to the base
•There are over 100 pyramids in Egypt alone, with many more across Central and South America
•The food pyramid was replaced by "MyPlate" in 2011, but the pyramid concept remains iconic
"The ancient pyramid stood majestically against the desert skyline."
"The company's pyramid structure placed executives at the top and workers at the base."
"She warned her friend about the pyramid scheme disguised as a business opportunity."
Total base points: 15 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 2 | Consonants: 5
Words with similar meaning
Monument
Large important structure
Tomb
Burial structure
Edifice
Impressive building
Ziggurat
Stepped pyramid structure
Associated structural concepts
Apex
Top point of pyramid
Base
Foundation of pyramid
Obelisk
Tall pointed monument
Mastaba
Ancient Egyptian tomb
Plural Form
pyramids
The pyramids of Giza attract millions of visitors.
Adjective Form
pyramidal
The crystals formed pyramidal structures.
Related Terms
Ancient tombs of pharaohs
Ancient construction workers
Early pyramid design
If you can't play PYRAMID, consider these subwords:
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Built around 2560 BCE for Pharaoh Khufu, it originally stood 146.5 meters tall. The precision of its construction continues to baffle engineers - its base is level to within 2.1 cm.
While Egyptian pyramids are most famous, pyramid structures appear worldwide. Mesoamerican pyramids like Chichen Itza served as temples rather than tombs. Nubian pyramids in Sudan outnumber Egyptian ones. Even modern architects use pyramid shapes for stability and symbolism.
Pyramids symbolize ascension, hierarchy, and the connection between earth and sky. In business, "pyramid structures" describe organizational hierarchies. The shape appears on currency (US dollar), corporate logos, and serves as a powerful metaphor for accumulation and aspiration.
Pyramid vs. Triangle
Pyramid is 3D; triangle is 2D
Pyramid vs. Ziggurat
Pyramids have smooth sides; ziggurats have steps
Pyramid vs. Obelisk
Pyramids are wide; obelisks are tall and narrow
Other valuable words related to ancient civilizations in Scrabble
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