Definition of: obelisk

(ob′ə·lisk) noun
1. A square shaft with pyramidal top, usually monumental. The Egyptian obelisks are always monolithic and slightly tapering.
2. Printing The dagger sign (†) used as a mark of reference; obelus. [<L obeliscus <Gk. obeliskos, dim. of obelos a spit, pointed pillar]
—ob′e·lis′cal, ob′e·lis′koid adjective
OBELISK
Washington Monument, Washington, D.C. (555 feet, 5¹/₂ inches high)