pyr·a·mid (p r  -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. [Latin p  ramis, pramid-, from Greek p ramis, probably of Egyptian origin.]py·ram i·dal (p-r m-dl), pyr a·midic (-mdk), pyra·midi·cal (--kl) adj.py·ram i·dal·ly adv. |
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