Pyramidally

pyr·a·mid  (pr-md)

n.

1.

a. A solid figure with a polygonal base and triangular faces that meet at a common point.

b. Something shaped like this polyhedron.

2.

a. A massive monument of ancient Egypt having a rectangular base and four triangular faces culminating in a single apex, built over or around a crypt or tomb.

b. Any of various similar constructions, especially a four-sided Mesoamerican temple having stepped sides and a flat top surmounted by chambers.

3. The transactions involved in pyramiding stock.

4. Anatomy A structure or part suggestive of a pyramid in shape.

v. pyr·a·mid·ed, pyr·a·mid·ing, pyr·a·mids

v.tr.

1. To place or build in the shape of a pyramid.

2. To build (an argument or thesis, for example) progressively from a basic general premise.

3. To speculate in (stock) by making a series of buying and selling transactions in which paper profits are used as margin for buying more stock.

v.intr.

1. To assume the shape of a pyramid.

2. To increase rapidly and on a widening base.

3. To pyramid stocks.

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[Latin pramis, pramid-, from Greek pramis, probably of Egyptian origin.]

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py·rami·dal (p-rm-dl), pyra·midic (-mdk), pyra·midi·cal (--kl) adj.

py·rami·dal·ly adv.