ˈzigəˌrat noun
or zik·u·rat or zik·ku·rat ˈzikə-
( -s )
Etymology: Akkadian ziqqurratu pinnacle, mountaintop
: an ancient Babylonian temple tower consisting of a lofty pyramidal structure built in successive stepped-back stages with outside staircases and a shrine at the top
[s]ziggurat.jpg[/s]