PYRAMID • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Pyramid

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/pˈɪrəmɪd/ Listen

noun

Pyramid n.

1.

A solid body standing on a triangular, square, or polygonal base, and terminating in a point at the top; especially, a structure or edifice of this shape.

2.

(Geom.) A solid figure contained by a plane rectilineal figure as base and several triangles which have a common vertex and whose bases are sides of the base.

3.

pl. (Billiards) The game of pool in which the balls are placed in the form of a triangle at spot. (Eng.)

4.

(Finance) A fraudulent investment scheme in which the manager promises high profits, but instead of investing the money in a genuine profit-making activity, uses the money from later investors to pay the profits to earlier investors; also called pyramid scheme or pyramid operation. This process inevitably collapses when insufficient new investors are available, leaving the later investors with total or near-total losses of their investments. The managers usually blame government regulations or interference for the collapse of the scheme, rather than admit fraud.

Altitude of a pyramid (Geom.), the perpendicular distance from the vertex to the plane of the base.

Axis of a pyramid (Geom.), a straight line drawn from the vertex to the center of the base.

Earth pyramid. (Geol.) See Earth pillars, under Earth.

Right pyramid (Geom.) a pyramid whose axis is perpendicular to the base.

verb

Pyramid v. t. (Speculation) To use, or to deal in, in a pyramiding transaction. See Pyramid, v. i.

Pyramid v. i. (Speculation) To enlarge one's holding or interest in a series of operations on a continued rise or decline by using the profits to buy or sell additional amounts on a margin, as where one buys on a 10% margin 100 shares of stock quoted at 100, holds it till it rises to 105, and then uses the paper profit to buy 50 shares more, etc. The series of operations constitutes a pyramid. A similar process of reinvesting gains or winnings (as of a gamble), but not involving operation on margin, is called a parlay.

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Etymology of 'Pyramid'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Pyramid" Quotes from Famous Books

... fast. A light wind fanned the flames, which joined together and leaped up, a roaring pyramid. The Mexicans, who had lately occupied them, were scuttling like rabbits toward their main force, and the Texan bullets made ...

— The Texan Scouts - A Story of the Alamo and Goliad • Joseph A. Altsheler

... surely he was armed for better conflicts than these succinct sketches and flying leaves of verse? I look on, I admire, I rejoice for myself; but in a kind of ambition we all have for our tongue and literature I am wounded. If I had this man's fertility and courage, it seems to me I could heave a pyramid. ...

— Robert Louis Stevenson - a Record, an Estimate, and a Memorial • Alexander H. Japp

... terminating in a small room, ornamented with paintings on the stucco, in regular compartments. In this chamber of the dead, once stood a sarcophagus that contained the remains of Cestius. "At the base of the pyramid stand two marble columns, which were found beneath the ground, and re-erected by some of the popes. One foot, which is all that remains of the colossal statue in bronze of Caius Cestius, that formerly stood before his tomb, is now in the Museum ...

— The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 20, - Issue 570, October 13, 1832 • Various

... all of the great industrial countries of the world, including the United States, the existing distribution of wealth is roughly in the form of a pyramid, i.e., at the top or apex of the pyramid there is a relatively small number of persons who enjoy large incomes, while at the base there is a large number with relatively small incomes. This inequality is explained by Professor Taussig on two grounds: ...

— Problems in American Democracy • Thames Ross Williamson

... Angel of Light! Each gazes on each,—no barrier between— And the quivering rocks shrink aghast from the scene! The sword of the angel waves free in the air; Death looks to his quiver,—no arrow is there! He falls like a pyramid, crumbled and torn; And a vision of light on his dying eye borne, In glory reveals the blest souls of the slain,— And he sees that his sceptre was transient and vain; For, 'mid the bright throng, e'en ...

— Poems • Sam G. Goodrich

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