obelisk

• Substantif désignant un haut monument de pierre à section carrée ou rectangulaire, effilé vers le sommet et surmonté d'une pointe pyramidale, souvent commémoratif ; désigne aussi le signe typographique en forme de croix (†) utilisé pour marquer un renvoi ou une note.

A noun referring to a tall, four-sided, tapering stone pillar with a pyramidal top, often used as a monument; also a typographic symbol (†) used to indicate a cross-reference or footnote.

1. B2formalart

   A tall, four-sided stone pillar that narrows as it rises and ends in a pyramid-like point at the top.

   Obélisque (monolithe)

   • The ancient Egyptian obelisk stood proudly in the city square.
   • Tourists gathered around the granite obelisk to take photos.
   • The obelisk was transported from Egypt to Rome centuries ago.

   Synonymesmonolithneedlepillarshaft

2. Printing symbolC1formal

   A symbol (†) used in printed text to mark a footnote or cross-reference.

   Obèle

   • The obelisk symbol indicates a footnote at the bottom of the page.
   • In the dictionary, the obelisk is used to mark obsolete words.
   • The editor placed an obelisk next to the term requiring explanation.

   Synonymesdagger