ˈka(a)rənz-, ˈkār-, -ˌränz- noun
Usage: usually capitalized C
Etymology: after Charon, ferryman of the dead in Hades, from Latin, from Greek Charōn; translation of Greek Charōnioi klimakes; from the steps' supposedly leading to the underworld
: a flight of steps from the middle of the stage to the orchestra of an early Greek theater