ˈpīˌlän, -_lən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek pylōn gateway, from pylē gate; perhaps akin to Sanskrit go pura towngate, gate
1.
a. : a usually massive gateway often with flanking towers — compare propylon
b. : an ancient Egyptian gateway building having a truncated pyramidal form ; broadly : two such truncated pyramids with a gateway between
c. : a monumental mass placed so as to flank an entranceway (as an approach to a bridge)
2. : a tower (as of steelwork) for supporting either end of a wire (as for a telegraph line) over a long span
3.
a. : a post, tower, or other projection marking a prescribed course of flight for an airplane
b. : a structure for supporting the propeller on the side of a rigid airship or for attaching an auxiliary fuel tank, a bomb, or other external stores carried by an airplane