'Pyramid' definitions:

Definition of 'pyramid'

From: WordNet
noun
A polyhedron having a polygonal base and triangular sides with a common vertex
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
noun
A massive monument with a square base and four triangular sides; begun by Cheops around 2700 BC as royal tombs in ancient Egypt [syn: Pyramid, Great Pyramid, Pyramids of Egypt]
verb
Enlarge one's holdings on an exchange on a continued rise by using paper profits as margin to buy additional amounts
verb
Use or deal in (as of stock or commercial transaction) in a pyramid deal
verb
Arrange or build up as if on the base of a pyramid
verb
Increase rapidly and progressively step by step on a broad base

Definition of 'Pyramid'

From: GCIDE
  • Pyramid \Pyr"a*mid\, v. i. (Speculation) To enlarge one's holding or interest in a series of operations on a continued rise or decline by using the profits to buy or sell additional amounts on a margin, as where one buys on a 10% margin 100 shares of stock quoted at
  • 100, holds it till it rises to 105, and then uses the paper profit to buy 50 shares more, etc. The series of operations constitutes a pyramid. A similar process of reinvesting gains or winnings (as of a gamble), but not involving operation on margin, is called a parlay. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]

Definition of 'Pyramid'

From: GCIDE
  • Pyramid \Pyr"a*mid\, n. [L. pyramis, -idis, fr. Gr. ?, ?, of Egyptian origin: cf. F. pyramide.] [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. pl. (Billiards) The game of pool in which the balls are placed in the form of a triangle at spot. [Eng.] [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Finance) a fraudulent investment scheme in which the manager promises high profits, but instead of investing the money in a genuine profit-making activity, uses the money from later investors to pay the profits to earlier investors; -- also called pyramid scheme or {pyramid operation}. This process inevitably collapses when insufficient new investors are available, leaving the later investors with total or near-total losses of their investments. The managers usually blame government regulations or interference for the collapse of the scheme, rather than admit fraud. [PJC]
  • Altitude of a pyramid (Geom.), the perpendicular distance from the vertex to the plane of the base.
  • Axis of a pyramid (Geom.), a straight line drawn from the vertex to the center of the base.
  • Earth pyramid. (Geol.) See Earth pillars, under Earth.
  • Right pyramid (Geom.) a pyramid whose axis is perpendicular to the base. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Pyramid'

From: GCIDE
  • Pyramid \Pyr"a*mid\, v. t. (Speculation) To use, or to deal in, in a pyramiding transaction. See Pyramid, v. i. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

Synonyms of 'pyramid'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Pyramid'