Ziggurat

ˈzɪɡəˌræt

noun

a rectangular stepped tower, sometimes surmounted by a temple

Ziggurats were massive structures built by ancient Mesopotamian civilizations, such as the Babylonians and Assyrians, typically used for religious purposes. The word 'ziggurat' comes from the Akkadian word 'ziqquratu,' which means 'to build on a raised area.'

See how Neal Stephenson uses "ziggurat", with its meaning, pronunciation and a real book example.