What is another word for dolmen?

Pronunciation: [dˈɒlmɛn] (IPA)

Dolmens are ancient structures found mainly in Europe and Asia, consisting of two or more large stones placed horizontally on top of upright ones. They are also known as portal tombs, cromlechs, and chambered cairns. The term "portal tomb" refers to their entrance being either partially or wholly covered, while "cromlech" describes the circle of standing stones around the dolmen. "Chambered cairn" is a term used in Scotland and Ireland, where the dolmen is covered by a cairn of stones. Other synonyms for dolmen include "trepied" in French, meaning "tripod", "Hünengrab" in German or "giant's grave", and "dysser" in Danish, meaning "table".

What are the hypernyms for Dolmen?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

Usage examples for Dolmen

Cromlech is the Welsh equivalent for the Breton dolmen, but Breton archaeologists use cromlech to describe a circle formed by menhirs.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz
He looks upon cromlech and dolmen, upon ancient caves of initiation, and upon the graves of his prehistoric ancestors, and vaguely feels, but does not know, why his land is so holy, is so permeated by an indefinable magic; for he has lost his ancestral mystic touch with the unseen-he is 'educated' and 'civilized'.
"The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries"
W. Y. Evans Wentz
In the neighbourhood, at Pernay, is a dolmen, of which the horizontal surface is 13 ft.
"The South of France--East Half"
Charles Bertram Black

Related words: ancient dolmen, megalithic dolmen, dolmen maps, dolmens in france, dolmens in spain, dolmens in denmark

Related questions:

  • What is a dolmen?
  • What are the differences between megalithic and dolmen?
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