The word "pylon" is often misspelled as "pilon" or "pylone" due to its unique pronunciation. The correct spelling of "pylon" is /ˈpaɪlɑːn/. The first sound, /p/, is voiceless, meaning it is pronounced without vibration of the vocal cords. The second sound, /aɪ/, is a diphthong, made up of the sounds /a/ and /ɪ/. The final sound, /n/, is a nasal sound made with the tongue touching the back of the teeth. Remembering these sounds can help ensure the word "pylon" is spelled correctly.
A pylon is a tall, freestanding structure typically used to support and carry electrical cables, especially high voltage power lines, across long distances. This towering construction is designed to withstand the immense forces exerted by the transmission cables it carries and to ensure their safe and stable positioning. Pylons are commonly found in open areas, such as fields or deserts, where they are used to create an efficient power distribution network.
Typically made of steel, pylons exhibit a distinctive triangular or trapezoidal shape. They consist of a number of vertical legs that gradually taper as they ascend towards the top, forming a sturdy structure that can bear the heavy loads of cables and remain resilient against external factors like strong winds or extreme weather conditions. The upper part of a pylon features a horizontal crossbeam or yoke to which the transmission cables are attached. These cables are then stretched between pylons across predetermined routes to transmit electrical power from one location to another.
Pylons have become icons of power distribution, their presence often associated with vast landscapes and technological progress. Their colossal height and imposing appearance, along with their crucial role in supplying electricity to rural and urban areas, make them a prominent feature in many regions around the world.
A temporary artificial leg (possibly intended for pillion, meaning primarily a woman's saddle or cushion for an extra rider).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "pylon" originated from the Greek word "pulon", meaning "gate" or "entrance". In ancient Greek architecture, a pylon referred to monumental gates or monumental entrance towers to temples or palaces. The term evolved in the English language to describe various structures, the most commonly known being the tall structures that support electrical power lines.