Mausoleum

/ˌmɔːsəˈliːəm/ noun

Definition

A large, elaborate tomb or building that houses the remains of dead people, usually built as a monument.

Etymology

From the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built for Mausolus, a Persian satrap. The term became generic for grand tombs built in his style.

Kelly Says

The original Mausoleum was so famous that 'mausoleum' became a word before the building was even destroyed—one of history's few monuments so iconic it renamed an entire category of buildings.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.