Cyclopean

/ˌsaɪ.kləˈpiː.ən/ adjective

Definition

Huge and massive, often used to describe something built with enormous stones or blocks, or characteristic of a cyclops.

Etymology

From the Greek 'Kyklops' via Latin 'Cyclopeus,' referring to the mythological giants. The architectural sense developed because ancient walls made of enormous stones were attributed to cyclops-like strength.

Kelly Says

Cyclopean walls actually exist—archaeologists found massive stone structures in Greece with blocks so huge that ancient people thought only cyclopes could have moved them! But the real builders used clever engineering and a lot of people with levers, not superhuman strength.

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