obelisk

Meanings

1. A tall, square, tapered, stone monolith topped with a pyramidal point, frequently used as a monument.
2. Synonym of obelus.
3. A symbol resembling a horizontal line (–), sometimes together with one or two dots (for example, ⨪ or ÷), which was used in ancient manuscripts and texts to mark a word or passage as doubtful or spurious, or redundant.
4. A dagger symbol (†), which is used in printed matter as a reference mark to refer the reader to a footnote, marginal note, etc.; beside a person's name to indicate that the person is deceased; or beside a date to indicate that it is a person's death date.
5. An RNA structure similar to a viroid, with a rod-like secondary structure, which comprises its own phylogenetic group.

1. To adopt the obelisk posture; to point the tip of the abdomen towards the sun.

Etymology

From Middle French obelisque, from Latin obeliscus (“obelisk”), from Ancient Greek ὀβελίσκος (obelískos), diminutive of ὀβελός (obelós, “needle”). Compare obelus.