View synonyms for Corinthian

Corinthian

[ kuh-rin-thee-uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth.
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 ).
ornate, as literary style.
luxurious or licentious.
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

a native or inhabitant of Corinth.
a man about town, especially one who lives luxuriously or, sometimes, dissolutely.
an amateur yachtsman.
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 ).

Corinthian

/ kəˈrɪnθɪən /

adjective

of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth
See composite, Tuscan, Doric, Ionic
of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leaves See also Ionic Doric composite Tuscan
given to luxury; dissolute
ornate and elaborate

noun

a native or inhabitant of Corinth
an amateur sportsman
rare.
a man about town, esp one who is dissolute

Corinthian

One of the three main styles of Greek architecture (the others are Doric and Ionic ). The Corinthian column is slender and fluted; the capital incorporates sculpted leaves.

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of Corinthian¹

1350–1400; Middle English Corinthi ( es ) men of Corinth (< Latin Corinthiī < Greek Korínthioi; Corinth ) + -an

Discover More

Example Sentences

However, when it came to practicality, especially during intense battle scenarios, the Corinthian helmets may have proved to be somewhat obtrusive to many of its wearers.

From Realm of History

You might think it involves pistons, or at the very least the seductive feel of rich Corinthian leather.

From Time

To-day the white Corinthian-looking building called Doryford House was at its best, in the soft lambent light of an autumn day.

From Project Gutenberg

Its proportions did not greatly differ from those of the Greek Corinthian, but the mouldings in general were more elaborate.

From Project Gutenberg

Late that night Henry Guion stood on the terrace below the Corinthian-columned portico.

From Project Gutenberg

At the end of a court yard is the principal front consisting of a fine portico, adorned with large corinthian pillars.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he hailed a hansom and desired to be driven to the street in which the Junior Corinthian Club was situated.

From Project Gutenberg

Word of the Day

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Corinth Corinthians

Browse