pyramid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a polyhedron having a polygonal base and triangular sides with a common vertex
  2. noun (stock market) a series of transactions in which the speculator increases his holdings by using the rising market value of those holdings as margin for further purchases
  3. noun a massive monument with a square base and four triangular sides; begun by Cheops around 2700 BC as royal tombs in ancient Egypt
    Great Pyramid; Pyramids of Egypt.
  4. verb enlarge one's holdings on an exchange on a continued rise by using paper profits as margin to buy additional amounts
  5. verb use or deal in (as of stock or commercial transaction) in a pyramid deal
  6. verb arrange or build up as if on the base of a pyramid
  7. verb increase rapidly and progressively step by step on a broad base

WordNet

Pyr"a*mid noun
Etymology
L. pyramis, -idis, fr. Gr. , , of Egyptian origin: cf. F. pyramide.
Definitions
  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. financial scheme

Webster 1913