headstone
/'hedstoun/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A stone marker for a grave: A "headstone" is a stone slab placed at the head of a grave, typically inscribed with the name, dates, and sometimes an epitaph of the deceased person.
- The central stone in an arch or vault: In architecture, a "headstone" is the central, topmost, and often wedge-shaped stone in an arch or vault that locks the other stones in place.
Examples
- As a grave marker:
- The old cemetery was filled with weathered headstones.
- They chose a simple granite headstone for their grandfather's grave.
- In architecture:
- The stability of the Gothic arch depends on its headstone.
- The mason carefully set the headstone to complete the vault.
Advanced Usage
- "to lay/place/set a headstone": The act of installing a grave marker.
- The family will lay the headstone during a small ceremony next month.
- "unveil a headstone": To formally reveal a newly placed grave marker.
- The community gathered to unveil the headstone for the war hero.
Variants and Related Words
- Gravestone (n): A stone marking a grave; often used interchangeably with "headstone" for the funerary meaning.
- Tombstone (n): Another common synonym for a grave marker.
- Keystone (n): The architectural term more commonly used than "headstone" for the central stone in an arch or vault.
- Footstone (n): A smaller stone marker placed at the foot of a grave.
Synonyms
- For a grave marker: Gravestone, tombstone, marker, monument.
- In architecture: Keystone, capstone, quoin.
Related Phrases
- Headstone inscription: The words carved onto a grave marker.
- The headstone inscription read, "Beloved Mother and Friend."
Related Idioms
- (As) cold as a headstone: Extremely cold or unfeeling. (Note: This is a less common, figurative idiom).
- His handshake was as cold as a headstone.
Noun
- a stone that is used to mark a grave
- the central building block at the top of an arch or vault