pyramid

//ˈpɪrəmɪd//
B1Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of pyramid

Noun

pyramidSingular
pyramidsPlural
1

A monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, especially one built of stone as a royal tomb in ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs for their pharaohs.

2

A solid geometric figure with a polygonal base and triangular sides that meet at a common vertex

The students learned how to calculate the volume of a pyramid in geometry class.

3

An organizational structure or system arranged in hierarchical levels with fewer members at each successive level

The company has a pyramid structure with the CEO at the top.

4

A fraudulent investment scheme in which returns are paid to earlier investors using money from new investors rather than from profit

He lost all his savings in a pyramid scheme.

Verb

1

To arrange or build up in the form of a pyramid

The children pyramided the blocks to make a tower.

2

To increase or cause to increase gradually in stages

The company pyramided its profits by reinvesting them each year.

pyramid - Deep Vocabulary