cromlech

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a prehistoric megalithic tomb typically having two large upright stones and a capstone

Etymology

Borrowed from Welsh cromlech, from crom (the feminine singular form of crwm (“bent, bowed, curved”), ultimately from Proto-Celtic *krumbos (“bent, crooked”) and Proto-Germanic *krumpaz (“bent, crooked, curved”); further etymology uncertain) + llech (“flagstone, slab of stone”) (ultimately from Proto-Celtic *ɸlikkā (“(flat) stone”) and Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂- (“flat”)). Sense 1 (“stone circle”) is from Breton cromlec'h, krommlec'h probably from Welsh cromlech: see above.

In classic literature

Synonyms

dolmen, portal tomb

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