What does STELA mean?

Here is the requested information on "stela": Stela

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A tall, upright stone monument, typically inscribed or decorated with figures or writing.

Pronunciations: US: /ˈstɛlə/, UK: /ˈstiːlə/

Origin and Usage: The word "stela" is derived from the Latin word "stēla," meaning "pillar, post." The word has been used in English since the mid-19th century to refer to an upright stone or wooden slab or pillar that is inscribed or decorated with figures or writing. The word is often used in the context of ancient civilizations, particularly those of Mesoamerica and Egypt, where stelae were commonly used as commemorative or funerary monuments.

Synonyms: Column, obelisk, pillar, monument, marker.

Related Words: Steel, stale, slate.

Example Sentences:

• The ancient Mayan civilization is known for its elaborate stelae, which often depicted the rulers of the city-states.
• The Rosetta Stone, which helped scholars decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, is a stela inscribed with a decree issued at Memphis in 196 BC.
• The stela erected to commemorate the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC is one of the most famous examples of ancient Greek sculpture.