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

propyl

propylaeum

propylate

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Propylaeum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propylaeum. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about propylaeum

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