benben stone

English

Etymology

From Egyptian bnbn (“Benben, the first mound or stone to arise from the primordial waters at the creation of the world”)—compare bnbnt (“pyramidion”)—and stone.

Noun

benben stone (plural benben stones)

1. A sacred stone found in solar temples in ancient Egypt.
   • 1991, H W F Saggs, Civilization Before Greece and Rome:

     Out of the benben stone, on its substructure representing the primeval hill, developed the religious symbol which we know as the obelisk.

   • 2001, Martin Isler, Sticks, Stones, and Shadows: Building the Egyptian Pyramids:

     According to beliefs, the pyramidion on its apex represents the benben stone, an ancient object that was thought to receive the first rays of the rising sun.