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Glite Dictionary
cromlech

cromlech

9.9
A very old stone tomb with large upright stones and a flat stone on top
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɒmlɛk/
  • UK
translation icon : cromlech
  • The ancient cromlech stood atop the hill, marking the burial site of tribal leaders.

Examples

  • Archaeologists discovered a well-preserved cromlech surrounded by scattered stone fragments.

  • Many tourists visit the famous cromlech ruins to learn about prehistoric burial practices.

  • The ancient cromlech stood silently on the hill.

  • Many tourists visit the cromlech every year.

  • Archaeologists discovered a well-preserved cromlech surrounded by scattered stone fragments.

  • Many tourists visit the famous cromlech ruins to learn about prehistoric burial practices.

  • The ancient cromlech stood atop the hill, marking the burial site of tribal leaders.

Synonyms

tomb
vscromlech
235 3.0

A large stone building or underground room where people put a dead person

is the specific outdoor stone capstone monument used for burials
dolmen
vscromlech
  • Specialized
1 9.9

An ancient tomb made of large upright stones that hold a flat stone

focuses on the same capstone monument without stressing upright number
portal tomb
vscromlech
  • UK
9.9

A large ancient grave made of two standing stones holding a flat stone on top

is the broader capstone monument term not the megalithic label

Surface Forms

cromlech singular
cromlechs plural

Etymology

Cromlech comes from old Welsh parts crom 'bent' and llech 'flat stone'. So a cromlech is like a 'stone table' made of upright stones holding a flat stone on top, and these were often used as ancient tombs.