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Corinthian

 - 2 dictionary results

Co⋅rin⋅thi⋅an

[kuh-rin-thee-uhn]
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Corinth.
2. Architecture. noting or pertaining to one of the five classical orders invented in ancient Greece and similar in most respects to the Ionic but usually of slenderer proportions, and characterized by a deep capital with a round bell decorated with acanthus leaves and a square abacus with concave sides. The Corinthian capital has typically two distinct rows of acanthus leaves above which appear eight fluted sheaths, from each of which spring two scrolls (helices), of which one curls beneath a corner of the abacus as half of a volute and the other curls beneath the center of the abacus. Compare composite (def. 3), Doric (def. 3), Ionic (def. 1), Tuscan (def. 2).
3. ornate, as literary style.
4. luxurious or licentious.
5. pertaining to or designating a style of vase painting developed in Corinth, in the 7th and early 6th centuries b.c., characterized chiefly by human, animal, and ornamental motifs, painted boldly in a black figure style on a terra-cotta ground, often arranged in tiers around the vase.
–noun
6. a native or inhabitant of Corinth.
7. a man about town, esp. one who lives luxuriously or, sometimes, dissolutely.
8. an amateur yachtsman.
9. Manège. a horse-show class in which each contestant must be a member of a recognized hunt and wear regulation hunt livery. Compare appointment (def. 7).

Origin:
1350–1400; ME Corinthi(es) men of Corinth (< L Corinthiī < Gk Korínthioi; see Corinth ) + -an
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Co·rin·thi·an   (kə-rĭn'thē-ən)   
adj.  
  1. Of or relating to ancient Corinth or its people or culture.

  2. Architecture Of or relating to the Corinthian order.

  3. Elegantly or elaborately ornate.

  4. Given to licentious and profligate luxury.

n.  
  1. A native or inhabitant of Corinth.

  2. A luxury-loving person; a bon vivant.

  3. A wealthy amateur sportsman, especially an amateur yachtsman.

  4. Corinthians (used with a sing. verb) Abbr. Co or Cor. See Table at Bible.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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