Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Nearby Words

cymatium

 - 4 dictionary results

cy⋅ma⋅ti⋅um

  [si-mey-shee-uhm, sahy-]
Use cymatium in a Sentence
–noun, plural -ti⋅a  [-shee-uh] . Architecture.
1. the uppermost member of a classical cornice or of a cornice of similar form: usually a cyma recta in classical examples. Compare sima 2
2. echinus (def. 2c).
Origin:
1555–65; < L < Gk kȳmátion, equiv. to kȳmat- (s. of kŷma wave; see cyma ) + -ion dim. suffix

e⋅chi⋅nus

  [i-kahy-nuhs]
–noun, plural -ni  [-nahy] .
1. any sea urchin of the genus Echinus.
2. Architecture.
a. an ovolo molding, esp. one having an outline with several radii or one carved with an egg-and-dart pattern.
b. the prominent circular molding supporting the abacus of a Doric or Tuscan capital.
c. Also called cymatium. the circular molding, usually carved with an egg-and-dart pattern, forming part of an Ionic capital between the volutes and under the balteus.
Origin:
1325–75; ME < L < Gk echînos hedgehog, sea urchin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To cymatium
cy·ma   (sī'mə)   


(click for larger image in new window)
n.  Either of two moldings, cyma recta or cyma reversa, having an undulating or S-shaped profile, used especially in classical architecture. Also called cymatium.

[New Latin cȳma, from Greek kūma, wave, cyma, from kuein, to swell; see keuə- in Indo-European roots.]
cy·ma·tium   (sī-mā'shəm, -shē-əm)   
n.   pl. cy·ma·tia (-shə, -shē-ə)

  1. See cyma.

  2. The topmost molding of a classical cornice.


[Latin cȳmatium, from Greek kūmation, diminutive of kūma, cyma; see cyma.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see cymatium on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way