Stela

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈstiːlÉ™/

Alternative forms

• (pl.) stelas, stelæ

Origin

From Latin stēla, from Ancient Greek στήλη

Full definition of stela

Noun

1. (archaeology) an obelisk or upright stone pillar, usually as a primitive commemoration or gravestone
• 1776, R. Chandler, Trav. Greece, VIII 35In the courts of the houses lie many round stelæ, or pillars, once placed on the graves of the Athenians.
• 1837, J. G. Wilkinson, Manners & Customs of the Anc. Egyptians, I ii 101He erected a stela, with an inscription in the sacred character, to commemorate his successes.
• 1876, S. Manning, Land of Pharaohs, 203The upright blocks or stelas are among the most curious parts of the present ruin.
• 1893, E. A. T. W. Budge, Mummy, 30Thothmes I. set up two stelæ near the Euphrates.
• 1966, Paul Bowles, Up Above the WorldA shore excursion had been arranged for the passengers who were interested in visiting the stelae of San Ignacio.

Synonyms

• stele

Anagrams

• astel, lates, least, leats, salet, setal, slate, stale, steal, taels, tales, teals, tesla