ziggurat

Definition

A temple tower of the ancient Mesopotamian valley, having the form of a terraced pyramid of successively receding stories

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Akkadian 𒅆𒂍𒉪 (ziqqurratum).

Example Sentences

• "It would be uplifting to think that the ziggurat was the first expression of Near Eastern civilization, for then one could speak about humanity's fascination with the heavens, of the human quest for communion with the infinite."
• "He works in an old ziggurat of an office building."