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echinus

 - 2 dictionary results

e⋅chi⋅nus

  [i-kahy-nuhs]
Use echinus in a Sentence
–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.
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e·chi·nus   (ĭ-kī'nəs)   
n.   pl. e·chi·ni (-nī')

  1. A sea urchin of the genus Echinus.

  2. Architecture A convex molding just below the abacus of a Doric capital.


[Latin echīnus, sea urchin, from Greek ekhīnos, sea urchin, hedgehog, from ekhis, adder, viper.]
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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