py
lon
Plural
pylons
1
a tall metal structure used for carrying high-voltage power lines above the ground
A pylon is a tall, upright structure designed to support and hold electrical wires or cables above the ground. Made from materials such as steel or concrete, pylons are spaced at regular intervals to carry electricity over long distances. They are essential for connecting power stations to homes and businesses, helping to distribute electricity safely. Pylons can be found in both rural and urban areas, often standing out in the landscape due to their size and height. They are built to withstand weather conditions and to ensure that electrical lines remain stable and secure.
- The transmission lines were supported by tall pylons across the countryside.
- Engineers inspected the pylon for structural integrity after a severe storm.
- The new housing development was planned around existing electricity pylons.
- Pylons are designed to withstand strong winds and other environmental conditions.
- The power company erected additional pylons to meet growing electricity demands in the region.
Synonyms:
2
a monumental gateway of an ancient Egyptian temple formed by two tapered towers flanking a central entrance, symbolizing the horizon
A pylon is a large, monumental gateway or entrance structure often found in ancient Egyptian temples and other important buildings. It typically consists of two tall, sloping walls that form an impressive entrance, creating a grand and welcoming passageway. The walls of a pylon are usually decorated with carvings and hieroglyphs that depict scenes of religious significance, historical events, or the achievements of the pharaohs. Pylons serve both a functional and symbolic purpose, marking the entrance to sacred spaces and representing the transition from the outside world to the spiritual realm within the temple.
- The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak is preceded by a massive sandstone pylon decorated with reliefs of pharaohs.
- Visitors passed between the sloping walls of the Luxor Temple pylon to enter the sacred courtyard.
- Each pylon at Edfu bears inscriptions praising the god Horus and marking the king's victories.
- Early travelers described the temple pylon as a pair of pyramidal towers connected by an ornate lintel.
- Restoration work on the Philae temple's first pylon revealed hidden chambers behind its core.
3
a tall post used as a navigational aid for pilots or as a course marker denoting turning points in races
- During the aerobatic display, each stunt pilot had to fly precisely around the field's painted pylons.
- The coastal airstrip installed a lattice pylon topped with a rotating beacon to guide fog-bound aircraft.
- Rally organizers lined the mountain road with orange pylons to mark each hairpin turn.
- Powerboat competitors sprinted toward the buoy-style pylon at the lake's eastern corner before heading back.
- Glider pilots used the steel pylon equipped with wind vanes to gauge their approach angle.