mausolée

mausoleum

noun moh-zoh-LEH Rare

Origin: From Mausolus, a 4th-century BC Persian satrap whose tomb became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Usage Note

Mausolée refers to a grand monumental tomb, typically built for a ruler or person of high importance. The word entered French via Latin mausoleum from the name of King Mausolus of Caria. A related adjective is mausoléen, though rare; more commonly you'll encounter phrases like ériger un mausolée ('to erect a mausoleum').

Examples

"Le mausolée abrite les restes du roi."

Natural Translation

The mausoleum houses the king's remains.

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