pylon
UK: ˈpaɪ.lɒn | US: ˈpaɪ.lɑːn
n. a tall vertical structure used for support (e.g., for bridges or power lines)
n. a gateway or monumental tower in ancient Egyptian architecture
n. (Aviation) a structure on an aircraft for mounting engines or weapons
The word pylon traces back to ancient Greek pylōn, meaning "gateway" or "entrance," particularly referring to the monumental towers flanking temple gates in Egypt. Over time, its meaning expanded to include modern structural supports (e.g., bridge pylons) due to their towering, gate-like appearance. The aviation sense emerged by analogy, as engine mounts resemble supportive gateways on aircraft.
The power lines were suspended between two steel pylons.
The temple’s entrance was flanked by massive stone pylons.
Engineers inspected the bridge pylon for cracks.
The jet’s engines were mounted on wing pylons.
Ancient Egyptian pylons often featured carved hieroglyphs.