# stele

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈstiːli/ · frequency rank #64,034

## Definitions
1. An upright (or formerly upright) slab containing engraved or painted decorations or inscriptions; a stela.
2. Any carved or engraved surface.
3. An acroterion, the decoration on the ridge of an ancient Greek building such as a temple.

## Etymology
From Ancient Greek στήλη (stḗlē, “upright rock; pillar; column”), plural form στῆλαι (stêlai). Doublet of stela.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/stele