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cyclopean

 - 2 dictionary results

Cy⋅clo⋅pe⋅an

[sahy-kluh-pee-uhn, sahy-klop-ee-uhn]
–adjective
1. of or characteristic of the Cyclops.
2. (sometimes lowercase) gigantic; vast.
3. (usually lowercase) Architecture, Building Trades. formed with or containing large, undressed stones fitted closely together without the use of mortar: a cyclopean wall.

Origin:
1635–45; < L Cyclōpē(us) (< Gk Kyklpeios, equiv. to Kýklōp(s) Cyclops + -eios -eous ) + -an
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To cyclopean
cy·clo·pe·an   (sī'klə-pē'ən, sī-klō'pē-)   
adj.  
  1. often Cyclopean Relating to or suggestive of a Cyclops: a great Cyclopean monocle.

  2. Very big; huge: has a cyclopean ego.

  3. Of or constituting a primitive style of masonry characterized by the use of massive stones of irregular shape and size.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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