stela

plural stelas · plural stelae · plural steles

1. archaeologyAn obelisk or upright stone pillar, usually as a primitive commemoration or gravestone.

   Thothmes I. set up two stelæ near the Euphrates.

   1893, E. A. T. W. Budge, Mummy, section 30

   4 more examples

   In the courts of the houses lie many round stelæ, or pillars, once placed on the graves of the Athenians.

   1776, R. Chandler, Trav. Greece, VIII 35

   He erected a stela, with an inscription in the sacred character, to commemorate his successes.

   1837, J. G. Wilkinson, Manners & Customs of the Anc. Egyptians, I ii 101

   The upright blocks or stelas are among the most curious parts of the present ruin.

   1876, S. Manning, Land of Pharaohs, section 203

   A shore excursion had been arranged for the passengers who were interested in visiting the stelae of San Ignacio.

   1966, Paul Bowles, Up Above the World

   Synonyms: stele