propylaeum

noun

pro·​py·​lae·​um ˌprä-pə-ˈlē-əm How to pronounce propylaeum (audio)
ˌprō-
plural propylaea ˌprä-pə-ˈlē-ə How to pronounce propylaeum (audio)
ˌprō-
: a vestibule or entrance of architectural importance before a building or enclosure
often used in plural

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek propylaion, from pro- before + pylē gate — more at pro-

First Known Use

1637, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propylaeum was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near propylaeum

Cite this Entry

“Propylaeum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylaeum. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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