pyre
UK: ˈpaɪə | US: ˈpaɪər
n. a heap of combustible material, especially one for burning a corpse as part of a funeral rite.
The word "pyre" traces back to the Greek pyr (πῦρ), meaning "fire." It entered English via Latin pyra (a funeral pile) and Old French pire. The term has retained its core association with fire, specifically for ceremonial burning, reflecting its ancient use in rituals like Viking funerals or Hindu cremations. The morpheme pyre itself is monomorphic in English, directly borrowed as a complete unit.
The warriors built a pyre to honor their fallen leader.
In some cultures, a pyre is used during funeral ceremonies.
The scent of smoke rose from the funeral pyre.
Ancient texts describe pyres as sacred offerings to the gods.
The pyre burned brightly against the night sky.