The Spanish word 'pilón' comes from two main sources. The primary source is the Latin word 'pila', meaning 'mortar' or 'basin', combined with the Spanish augmentative suffix '-ón'. This suffix '-ón' makes the word larger in meaning, so 'pilón' refers to a 'large basin' or 'trough'. There's also a possible influence from Ancient Greek 'πυλών' (pylon), meaning 'great gate' or 'portal', though the Latin origin is more direct.

A simpler related Spanish word is 'pila', which means 'basin', 'sink', or 'font'. This comes directly from the Latin 'pila' and represents the base word before the augmentative suffix was added. While 'pila' refers to a regular basin or sink, 'pilón' specifically refers to a larger version, like a trough or large water basin.

The English word 'pylon' is a cousin to the Spanish 'pilón', as they both have connections to the Greek 'πυλών' (pylon). However, while the Spanish word developed to mean a large basin or trough, the English 'pylon' retained more of the Greek sense of a monumental gateway or tower, and in modern usage often refers to tall structures supporting power lines or marking routes.