pyramid

(pĭrˈə-mĭd)

1. a. A solid figure with a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at a common point.
   b. Something shaped like this polyhedron.
2. a. A massive monument of ancient Egypt having a rectangular base and four triangular faces culminating in a single apex, built over or around a crypt or tomb.
   b. Any of various similar constructions, especially a four-sided Mesoamerican temple having stepped sides and a flat top surmounted by chambers.
3. The transactions involved in pyramiding stock.
4. Anatomy A structure or part suggestive of a pyramid in shape.

1. To place or build in the shape of a pyramid.
2. To build (an argument or thesis, for example) progressively from a basic general premise.
3. To speculate in (stock) by making a series of buying and selling transactions in which paper profits are used as margin for buying more stock.

1. To assume the shape of a pyramid.
2. To increase rapidly and on a widening base.
3. To pyramid stocks.

Related Forms:

• py·ramˈi·dal (pĭ-rămˈĭ-dl), pyrˌa·midˈic (-mĭdˈĭk), pyrˌa·midˈi·cal (-ĭ-kəl) adjective

• py·ramˈi·dal·ly adverb