A - Z Glossary of Architectural Product Terms - Brockwell Incorporated
Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms
(Illustrated Glossary)



Review key, classical terms by selecting alphabetically - above - or simply scroll down to see our comprehensive & illustrated set of terms and their definitions.

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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter A

ABACUS
a large slab placed above the column capital to support the architrave or an arch placed above it.

Column Capital Abacus Diagram/Drawing - Brockwell Incorporated - ColumnsDirect.com


ACANTHUS
a plant found on the shores of the Mediterranean and particularly admired by the Greeks and Romans for the elegance of its leaves. Found on many classical designs such as the Corinthian and Composite columns.

Check out some of our Acanthus Appliques.

Acanthus Leaves for Detailing Wood Furniture and Cabinetry Acanthus Leaf Detailing is Prevalent in Classical Design, Especially on Roman Corinthian Capitals


ACROTERIA
plinths for statues or ornaments placed at the apex and ends of a pediment: also, more loosely, both the plinths and what stands on them.

Acroteria Definition - Brockwell Incorporated's Classical Glossary

AEDICULE
a frame formed by two columns and an entablature with pediment.

classical sketch of an aedicule for the glossary of architectural terms at ColumnsDirect.com


AMORINO
ornament from the Renaissance; alternatively referred to as a cupid.

amorino or cupid in a painting stopping a roman soldier from going to war - brockwell incorporated


AMPHIPROSTYLE
when both façades have columns - but no columns on the sides. The number of columns never exceeded four (4) on each façade. An example is the Temple of Nike in Athens, Greece.

AMPHIPROSTYLE - No more than (4) Columns on only 2 façades.


ANNULET
a small flat fillet encircling a column. It is used under the echinus of a Greek Doric capital several times, and is also called a shaft ring. The term has also been applied to the fillets separating fluted in columns, and is also called a "list" or "listella."

Annulets on a Greek Doric Column Capital Diagram by Brockwell Incorporated


ANTA (ANTAE)
a species of pilasters used in Greek & Roman architecture to terminate the pteromata, or side walls, of temples - when they are prolonged beyond the face of the end walls. The first order of temples, according to Vitruvius, is called "in antis," because the pronaos, or porch, in front of the cell is formed by the projection of the pteromata terminated by the antae - with columns between them. They may be said to correspond to the "respond" in English architecture.

Good example of Antae Pilasters - ColumnsDirect.com 980-282-8383


ANTEFIX
ornamental blocks on the edge of a roof to conceal the ends of the tiles.

Antefix Example in Classical Architecture - Brockwell Incorporated


ANTHEMION
Greek ornament of alternating palmettes and lotus motifs or two types of palmettes (one open, one closed) usually found on a cornice or neck of an Ionic capital; frequently used in the 1700s.

Anthemion showcased in the necking of a pilaster capital - Brockwell Incorporated


APOPHYGE
the small curvature given to the top and bottom of the shaft of a column where it expands to meet the edge of the fillet.

APPLIED COLUMN
an engaged column: one attached to a wall.

ARABESQUE
geometric intricate surface decoration; no human figures; has interlaced patterns.

ARAEOSTYLE
style of the Grecian temples in which the columns are placed at the distance of four (and occasionally five) diameters apart. This style is usually only appropriate to the Tuscan Order, but occasionally found in Hellenistic architecture.

ARCHITRAVE
the lowest part of the entablature, the part below the frieze that rests directly on the abacus of the column capital.

Architrave Illustrated Example - Glossary Image from Brockwell Incorporated


ARRIS
a sharp edge at the junction of two surfaces, e.g. the flutes of a Greek Doric column meeting in a sharp arris.

ART DECO
popular in the 1920s-30s, decorative arts after the war, geometric, stylized, derived from Art Nouveau, bright colors, sunbursts, Egyptian motifs.

ART NOUVEAU
popular in England in the 1880s. It was the name of a shop that opened in Paris in 1895 to sell objects of the modern style, a decorative arts design: flowing expressive lines, whiplash curves, flower and leaf motifs, female figures with long undulating hair, came from the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain. It was influenced by Japanese art, Rococo and Celtic art.

ASTRAGAL
a small molding of a rounded, convex section. The ring that separates the capital from the column shaft of a Classical column, and may be ornamented.

Astragral Illustrated Definition - Classical Architectural Glossary


ASTYLAR
meaning, without columns or pilasters.

ATLANTID
a sculpted male figure acting as a column to support an entablature, named after Atlas (a Titan in Greek mythology).


ATTIC BASE
the base of a Classical column consisting of two torus moldings separated by a scotia with fillets (i.e. two large convex rings between which is a concave molding). This is used with all the Orders except the Greek Doric & the Tuscan.

ATTIC STORY
the part placed above the entablature of a building, e.g.: often seen in triumphal arches.




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter B

BALUSTER
a small column or a little, round, short pillar that is part of a balustrade. The word “baluster” comes from the Italian word blausto or balaustra meaning the flower of the pomegranate.

marble balusters and balustrade system in chicago mens athletic club for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


BALUSTRADE
handrail supported by balusters; any of the small posts that support the upper rail of a railing, as in a staircase or porch rail.

BASE MOLDING
a projecting molding or band of moldings near the bottom of a wall; it is sometimes placed immediately on top of the plinth, and sometimes a short distance above it, in which case the intervening space is frequently paneled in circles and quatrefoils.

column base molding diagram for columns on a front porch - brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


BEAD & REEL
a decoration of alternating, sometimes grouped, circular and oval beads generally small in scale and used to enrich the astragal. Also referred to as ''Bead & Barrel.''

Check out our Bead & Barrel molding designs.

stone molding with bead and reel molding pattern for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


BEAM
appears formerly, as at present, to have been applied generally to the principal horizontal timbers of a building.

wood timber beam example for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


BED MOULD
is a convex, rounded molding that is commonly of a semi-circular section. It is molding under a corona, between it and the frieze, or any molding under any projection.

Bed Mould Classical Example - Illustrated Glossary from Brockwell Incorporated


BELL
the body of a Corinthian or a Composite capital, supposing the foliage stripped off, is called the bell; the same name is applied also to the Early English and other capitals in Gothic architecture which in any degree resemble this form.

bell of a wood corinthian round column capital for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


BELVEDERE
a tower or turret built for the purpose of giving a view.


BOARD-AND-BATTEN
a form of wood siding for exterior walls, consisting of long vertical boards and thin strips, or battens, which extend over adjacent boards or joints (the spaces between adjacent surfaces). Often seen as shutters.

Browse our Board-and-Batten Shutter designs.

exterior board-and-batten window shutters with hanging flower planter box for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


BOAST
to shape it into the simple form which approaches nearest to its ultimate figure, leaving the smaller details to be worked out afterwards. Sometimes capitals, corbels, - especially of the thirteenth century - are found in this state, never having been finished. A good example occurs in the crypt at Canterbury.

BOCAGE
densely designed leaves and flowers as backgrounds to figures - common in Rococo decorations.

BOLSTER
the return side of an Ionic capital resembling a baluster on its side; or a cushion.


BRACKET
a small projection, usually decorated, that supports or appears to support a projecting eaves or lintel.

BUCRANE
a carved representation of an ox-head or an ox-skull (or aegicrane if ram or goat), garlanded, and found in the metopes of the Roman Doric frieze - often alternating with rosettes or phialai.

Brockwell Incorporated's Glossary explaining the classical Bucrane detail




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter C

CABLE FLUTING
a round molding frequently worked in the flutes of columns & pilasters in Classical architecture, and nearly filling up the hollow part. They seldom extend higher than the third part of the shaft.


CAPITAL
the crown which joins the top of a column with the abacus and aids in distributing weight. Different types include the simple convex Doric and the highly decorative Corinthian with stylized acanthus leaves.

Take a look at our our Capital designs.

temple of the winds column capital for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


CAPRICE
a decorative vignette of the Rococo period showing architectural ruins and emblematic figures.

CARTOUCHE
an oval tablet with an elaborate scroll-carved frame, used as ornamentation for building moldings, borders, panels, etc.

Take a look at our Cartouche designs.

classical sketch of a cartouche for brockwell incorporated's illustrated architectural terms glossary


CARYATID
a sculpted female figure acting as a column to support an entablature, e.g.: in the Erechtheion.

concrete classical caryatids acting as columns for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


CAULICOLI
the eight stalks that spring from the upper row of the acanthus leaves in the Corinthian capital.

CAVETTO
a concave molding of one quarter of a circle, used in the Grecian and other styles of architecture.

Cavetto Illustrated Definition - Classical Terms Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated


CHAIR RAIL
the upper molding of a dado around a room to prevent the backs of chairs from damaging the walls or their coverings. It corresponds to the cornice of a pedestal.

CHAMFER
an arris or angle which is slightly pared off is said to be chamfered: a chamfer resembles a splay, but is much smaller, and is usually taken off equally on the two sides.

CHERUB
a baby male figure, winged - usually associated with clouds, funerary monuments, etc. in Baroque sculpture. Cherubs are usually podgy, and may be given overt displays of grief. They must be distinguished from putti - which are little boy figures who are wingless.

cherub scultpture example for brockwell incorporated's classical term glossary


CHEVRON
a zigzag molding (like an upside down V) in Norman architecture, Romanesque.

CIMBIA
a band or fillet around the shaft of a column.

CINCTURE
a ring of moldings around the top or bottom of the shaft of a column, separating the shaft from the capital or base.

COFFER
an ornamental sunken panel, especially in a ceiling. Used to save weight on domed ceilings in ancient architecture.

COIN MOLDING
molding that has a repeated series of overlapping discs.

COLONETTE
small, thin columns - often used for decoration or to support an arcade.

COLONNADE
a row of columns with an entablature. If four, the range is called tetrastyle; if six, hexastyle; if eight, octastyle; if ten, decastyle. When a colonnade stands before a building it is called a portico, and if it surrounds a building, it is called a peristyle.

COLOSSAL
a large column more than a story in height. Also known as "Giant" columns.

COLUMN
used to support the abacus and architrave without the necessity of a wall. There are several types including the simple and earliest the Doric. They may also be free-standing and often commemorate significant historical events such as Trajan’s Column.

COLUMNIATION
an arrangement of columns.

COMPOSITE ORDER
one of the five Classical Orders. A Roman elaboration of the Corinthian Order, having the acanthus leaves of its capital combined with the large volutes of the Ionic Order, and other details also elaborated. The column height should be (10) times the diameter.

composite order sketch of classical orders of architecture for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


CONCH (or CONCHA)
also known as an apse, a recess in a wall often highly decorated or containing a statue. Often times, it reflects a shell pattern.


CONGE
the echinus or quarter-round, and the cavetto. The former is a swelling conge, and the latter is the hollow conge.

CORBEL
a block of stone, elaborately carved, projecting from a wall and sometimes supporting a load like the beams of a roof, floor or vault, or sometimes used for decorative effect only. Also: a projecting block supporting a beam or other
horizontal element. Today, many corbels are made from wood & plaster.

Check out our Plaster Corbel designs.

classical corbel sketches for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


CORINTHIAN ORDER
the most slender and most ornate of the three Greek Orders, characterized by a bell-shaped capital with Volutes and two rows of acanthus elaborate cornice. It is considered one of the most lavish Orders of Architecture. The Corinthian Order was used by both the Greeks and the Romans. The column height should be (10) times the diameter.

corinthian order sketch of classical orders of architecture for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


CORNICE
the decorative molded projecting part at the top of the entablature which also aided in drainage of rainwater.

Cornice Example - Classical Architectural Illustrated Definitions by ColumnsDirect.com


CORONA
the central component of the cornice, having a vertical face and horizontal soffit, often with drip moulding.

COVE
a concave moulding often large in scale, like an inverted cavetto, supporting the eaves externally, or raising the ceiling of a room above the cornice.

CUPOLA
a small dome, a rounded roof on a circular or polygonal base crowning a roof or turret. Also, a small, often squarish tower on a roof.

colorful classical sketch of a cupola for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


CYMA (or CYMATIUM)
a moulding in the form of a reverse curve, used as the crowning component of a cornice and elsewhere.

Cymatium Definition - Classical Illustrated Glossary by ColumnsDirect.com


CYMA RECTA
a cyma moulding having a concave curve uppermost, with a convex curve below.


CYMA REVERSA
a cyma moulding having a convex curve uppermost, with a concave curve below.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter D

DADO
the solid block or cube forming the body of a pedestal in Classical architecture, between the base-moldings and cornice: an architectural arrangement of moldings, around the lower part of the walls of a room, resembling a continuous pedestal.

DECASTYLE
with ten columns at each façade, e.g.: the temple of Apollo Didymaeus at Miletus.

DECLINATION
the angle which the planes of the wall and the soffits of the mutules of the Doric Order make with each other. All true Greek Doric mutules are inclined.

DEMI-COLUMN
a column that is applied to a wall. An engaged column as distinct from a pilaster.

DENTILS
a regular series of squares or rectangles used to decorate cornices. Teeth-like appearance.

DIASTYLE
an arrangement of columns in Grecian and Roman architecture in which the inter-columniation or space between them is equal to three, or according to some, four diameters of the shaft.

DIPTERAL
when there are a double row of columns on all sides, e.g.: the Parthenon.

DOME
a convex covering over a circular, square, or polygonal space. Domes may be hemispherical, semi-elliptical, pointed or onion-shaped. Also, a large rounded roof or ceiling on a circular or many-sided base, cupola.

dome black and white classical sketch for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


DORIC ORDER
the column and entablature developed by the Dorian Greeks, sturdy in proportion, with a simple cushion capital. This Order was utilized by both the Greeks & the Romans. The column height should be (8) times the diameter. The Greek Doric column typically has an overall height between (4) - (6-1/2) diameters.

doric order sketch of classical orders of architecture for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


DRESSINGS
(1) - the moldings and sculptured decorations of all kinds which are used on the walls and ceilings of a building for the purpose of ornament; (2) - applied to a square opening in the stonework of molding which surround it like a frame, such as a brick building with stone dressings.

DROPLETS
the conical shapes of guttae under triglyphs and the mutules of the Doric Order.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter E

EAGLE
animal attributed to power or victory.

Browse some of our Eagle Applique designs.

eagle applique with festoons for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


EAVES
the lower edge of a pitched roof which overhangs the face of a wall. An eaves cornice is therefore a cornice in that position.

ECHINUS
the egg-and-anchor, or egg-and-tongue ornament, frequently carved on the ovolo in Classical architecture: the term is also applied to the ovolo molding, but in strictness it belongs to it only when then enriched.

Echinus Illustrated Definition - Brockwell Incorporated's Glossary of Classical Terms


EGG AND DART
a typical feature of decoration on cornices. This style showcases egg-like motifs with arrow-like elements, alternating in between each egg shape. Egg & Tongue, and Egg & Anchor are commonly used terms.

Browse our Egg and Dart Compo moulding designs.

egg and dart molding sketches for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


EMPIRE
a Neoclassical French style associated with Napoleonic times. Roman motifs were used to identify France with Imperial Rome, and Egyptian elements also were utilized.

ENCARPUS
a festoon of fruit, flowers, and leaves used to decorate a frieze.

ENGAGED COLUMN
columns which are attached to a wall. To be considered "engaged," the column must protrude more than half the column's width / diameter. Other associated terms are: "Applied," "Attached," & "Inserted."

ENTABLATURE
the structure which lies horizontally above columns and which is composed of the architrave, frieze and cornice.

Entablature Illustrated Example - Classical Architectural Glossary by ColumnsDirect.com


ENTAIL
elaborate sculptured ornament.

ENTASIS
the swelling of a column at its base and center to give the illusion of being perfectly straight.

ESCUTCHEON
a shield on which a coat of arms is fixed.

escutcheon shield with coat of arms sketch for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


EYE
the decorative central disc of an Ionic volute, sometimes enriched with a flower of other motif.

eye of a volute or scroll illustrated sketch for brockwell incorporated's glossary of classical architectural terms




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter F

FAÇADE

the front face or elevation of a building. (All buildings have a facade though some are decorated more than the rest of the building).

illustrated sketch of a facade for brockwell incorporated's glossary of classical architectural terms


FAME
a winged female figure blowing a trumpet, often found in spandrels, as in triumphal arches.

fame, or winged female, blowing a trumpet for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


FASCIA
a broad fillet, band, or face, used in Classical architecture, sometimes by itself but usually in combination with moldings. Architraves are frequently divided into two or three fasciae, each of which projects slightly beyond that which is below it.

Fascia - Illustrated Definition - Classical Terms Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated


FESTOON
a carved ornament in the form of a garland of fruit and flowers, tied with ribbons and suspended at both ends in a loop; commonly used on a frieze or panel also called a swag.

Take a look at our Compo Festoon designs & our Plaster Festoon designs.

Classical Terms:  Festoon - Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated - ColumnsDirect.com


FILLET
a narrow plain band with a vertical face, interposed between adjacent mouldings, e.g. on a cornice.

Fillet Classical Definition - Illustrated Glossary of Architectural Terms by Brockwell Incorporated


FINIAL
formal ornament at the top of a newel or gable. Often seen in the center of an entryway pediment.

Browse our Plaster Finial designs.

pineapple finial example sitting on top of corner post for illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms from brockwell incorporated


FLEUR DE LIS
French lily flower; heraldic flower with three petals forming a stylized lily.

Browse our Fleur de Lis applique designs.

Fleur de Lis Applique Sketch - Illustrated Glossary of Classical Architectural Terms from Brockwell Incorporated


FLUTES
the curved vertical channels carved in a column. Columns in the Greek Doric Order have (20) flutes, and the Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite Orders showcases (24) flutes. Typically, columns in the Tuscan Order are not fluted.

fluted column drawing showing flutes in illustrated glossary of architectural terms from brockwell incorporated


FRIEZE
the widest and central part of the entablature often richly decorated with relief sculpture.

illustrated sketch of the frieze in classical architecture for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter G

GARLAND
ornaments of flowers, fruits, and leaves - usually found in friezes or similar positions.

GAZEBO
a small apartment on a roof with a view - also called a belvedere. A summer house, or any ornamental structure commanding a view.

classical sketch of gazebo with columns for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


GLYPH
a sunken channel, usually vertical. The perpendicular channels cut in the projecting tablets of a Doric frieze which are called triglyphs from their having three vertical channels, or, more correctly two whole channels with a half-channel at each side of the tablet.

GREEK KEY
a labyrinthine fret used in bands, often on string-courses and sometimes on friezes.

Browse our Greek Key moulding designs.

greek key pattern for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


GRIFFIN
animal with the head, wings, and claws of an eagle and the body of a lion.

Browse our Compo Griffin Appliques.

black griffin sculpture for classical example of architectural term in brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


GROTESQUE
a wall decoration of Roman origin, having human and animal figures interspersed with scrolls and foliage, to form a pattern rather than a pictorial representation.

GROUPED COLUMNS
more than two columns grouped together on one pedestal. When only two columns are used, they are called coupled columns.

GUTTAE
small ornaments resembling drops, used in the Doric entablature on the under side of the mutules of the cornice, and beneath the taenia of the architrave, under the triglyphs. There are generally (18) of them under the mutules, set in three rows - each row parallel to the front, and (6) under the regula.

classical example of guttae for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of key architectural terms




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter H

HALF COLUMN
a column projecting approximately one half its diameter, usually slightly more from a wall.

HARMONY
an agreement, balance, or repose between all the parts of a building - having connections with symmetry.

HELIX (pl. HELICES)
little spiral ornaments or volutes, 16 in number, in the Corinthian capital - also called urillae, under the abacus. There are two at each angle of the abacus, and two in the center of each face - branching form the caulicoli, or stalks, that rise between the acanthus leaves. Vitruvius called the inner spirals only helices, calling the outer spirals a the corners volutae - which is also his term for the volutes of the Ionic capital.

illustrated sketch of a helix on a roman corinthian capital for brockwell incorporated's glossary of architectural terms


HEM
the spiral protruberant part of an Ionic capital.

HEXASTYLE
with six columns at each façade, e.g. the Maison Carré at Nimes.

HIPPOCAMP
a creature with the head and forelegs of a horse, and the tail of a fish.

hippocamp concrete statue at the trevi fountain in rome illustrated glossary term for brockwell incorporated


HUSK
a stylized, bud-like ornament - usually found in a string, margent, or festoon.

HYPOSTYLE
a covered colonnade: a hall with many columns.

hypostyle classical sketch of the temple of arnak for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


HYPOTRACHELION
in the Doric order, the horizontal grooves at the junction of the lowest part of the capital – the trachelion – and the top of the column shaft.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter I

INTERCOLUMNIATION
the distance between columns measured from the lower parts of the shafts in multiples of the diameter of the column. Greek Doric intercolumniation was generally that of the monotriglyph (i.e. having one triglyph between two columns).

INTERDENTILS
spaces between dentils: in Roman work, the dentils are set closer together than in Greek work.

INTERPILASTERS
the space between pilasters.

IONIC ORDER
the Classical order of architecture, originated by the Ionian Greeks, characterized by its capital with large volutes, a fascinated entablature, continuous frieze, usually dentils in the cornice, and by its elegant detailing, less heavy than the Doric, less elaborate than the Corinthian. The Ionic Order is the second of the Orders used by the Greeks, and the third used by the Romans. The column shaft is generally fluted, with fillets between the flutes. The column height should be (9) times the diameter.

ionic order sketch of classical orders of architecture for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter J

JAMB
the side of a window, door, chimney which bears the weight of the wall.

JOISTS
the horizontal timbers in a floor, on which the flooring is laid: also the small timbers which sustain a ceiling.

black and white drawing of joists and beams for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter K

KEYSTONE
the central, topmost stone of an arch. It locks in the voussoirs before the centering scaffolding can be removed.

keystone on a yellow brick facade above an arch - example for brockwell incorporated's illustrated classical glossary


KNULLING
a very flat bead-and-reel molding.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter L

LAMBS TONGUE
(1) - the end of a handrail which is turned out or down from the rail and curved so as to resemble a tongue. (2) - a cut moldings, usually two ovolos separated by a fillet and set off by fillets at the other ends.

Browse our Lambs Tongue molding designs.

lambs tongue sketch for illustrated glossary of brockwell incorporated's classical architectural terms


LINTEL
a horizontal beam over an opening in a wall that carries the weight of the structure above.

illustrated drawing of a lintel for brockwell incorporated's glossary of architectural terms


LOTUS
a common Greek and Egyptian ornament, often mixed with the palmette. Lotus flowers and lotus buds can sometimes be found together.

egyptian art of woman picking lotus flowers for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms


LOUVERED
a window shutter or door fitted with slanting fixed or movable slats to admit air, but exclude rain, snow, or to provide privacy. Often seen in shutters.

Browse our Louvered Shutter designs.

black louvered exterior window shutters on a brick house for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of classical architectural terms




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter M

MANSARD ROOF
a roof having two slopes on each of its four sides; the lower slope is steeper than the upper. Mansard roofs have dormers in them so that a usable third floor is created as opposed to an attic.

black and white sketch of a mansard roof - classical illustrated glossary term example


MANTEL
a decorative shelf, or horizontal beam over a fireplace. The mantelpiece is carried on the jambs of the chimney space.

black and white sketch of a mantel for the illustrated glossary of architectural terms


MEDALLION
a square, elliptical, circular, or oval tablet on which are figures, designs, or busts - usually carved in relief. Today's medallions can be made in a variety of materials, such as Plaster, Wood, Urethane, and more!

Browse our hundreds of historically-accurate Ceiling Medallion designs to see any match your style.

ceiling medallion with acanthus detail for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


METOPE
a square space in the frieze between two triglyphs, often filled with relief sculpture or ornaments such as shields. Prevalent with the Doric Order.

classical example of a metope on a doric stone entablature


MITRE
the line formed by the meeting of moldings or other surfaces, which intersect or intercept each other at an angle.

diagram of mitre joint application for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


MODILLION
Greek classical feature of large rectangular shapes closely placed beneath the cornice, that are similar to a bracket in use, although modillions are purely ornamental as they formalize the look of beams protruding from beneath the roof of a early wood-framed building.

classical modillion example underneath an entablature


MODULE
a measure of proportion by which the parts of an order or of a building are regulated in Classical architecture; it has been generally considered as the diameter, or semi-diameter, of the lower end of the shaft of the column.

classical orders of architecture module drawing for brockwell incorporated's glossary of architectural terms


MOLD
the model or pattern used by workmen, especially by masons, as a guide in working moldings, ornaments, and other architectural products.

green rubber mold for brockwell incorporated's compo swag accents at ColumnsDirect.com


MOLDING
a member of construction or decoration so treated as to introduce varieties of outline or contour in edges or surfaces, whether on projections or cavities, as on cornices, capitals, bases, etc.

Browse our Molding Collections.

decorative plaster molding on a yellow-painted wall - brockwell incporated


MONOLITHIC COLUMN
a column carved from a single piece of stone.

fluted greek doric monolithic columns in greece for the classical architectural glossary on ColumnsDirect.com


MOUCHETTE
a teardrop-shaped Gothic tracery design.

concrete gothic mouchette tear drop design for illustrated glossary by brockwell incorporated


MULLION
a vertical bar on a window, door, and shutters that divide and support the panes or panels.

vertical mullion on interior white functional plantation style shutters


MUTULE
a projecting block worked under the corona of the Doric cornice, in the same situation as the modillions in the Corinthian & Composite Orders. It is often made to slope downward towards the most prominent part, and has usually a number of small guttae, or drops, worked on the underside.

illustrated example of a mutule on a doric entablature




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter N

NECK
in the Classical Orders, the space between the bottom of the capital and the top of the shaft, which is marked by a sinkage or a ring of moldings.

Capital Neck Illustrated Example - Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated - ColumnsDirect.com


NEWEL
the end post of a balustrade; an ornamented post at the top, bottom, or landing of a stairway that supports the handrail.

Newel Post Example - Illustrated Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated


NEWEL CAP
the cap is on the top of the newel.

Newel Cap Example - Illustrated Architectural Terms Glossary by ColumnsDirect.com


NICHE
a recess in a wall for a statue, vase, or other erect ornament. Among the ancients they were sometimes square, but more often semi-circular at the back, and terminated in a half-dome at the top.

Take a look at our Plaster Niche Caps.

Niche - Classical Example from Brockwell Incorporated's Illustrated Glossary




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter O

OCTASTYLE
with eight columns at each façade, e.g.: the temple of Bacchus at Baalbek.

OCULUS
a circular opening / a round window.

oculus opening showing light in a dome classical architecture glossary term from brockwell incorporated


OGEE
an S-shaped double curve, one convex and the other concave. The cyma molding.

Ogee Molding black and white sketch for Brockwell Incorporated's architectural glossary


ORDER
in Classical Architecture, an entire column, consisting of base, shaft, and capital, with an entablature. There are usually said to be five orders: the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite; but the first and last, sometimes called 'the two Roman Orders,' are little more than varieties of the Doric and Corinthian, and were not used by the Greeks.

five orders of classical architecture black and white historical sketch from brockwell incorporated


ORNAMENT
in architecture, every detail of shape, texture, and color that is deliberately exploited or added to attract an observer.

Browse our collection of Ornaments.

classical compo ornament example for brockwell incorporated's architectural terms glossary


OVOLO
a convex molding much used in Classical architecture; in the Roman examples it is usually an exact quarter of a circle, but in the Grecian it is flatter, and is most commonly quirked at the top.

ovolo molding sketch classical example in brockwell incorporated's illustrated architectural terms glossary




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter P

PALAZZO
an Italian palace, or any large extravagant building of a similar style.

PALLADIAN
a style of architecture that evolved from the work of the sixteenth-century architect, Andrea Palladio (1508-1580), and was brought to Britain in publications. A revival of the style in the eighteenth century occurred in the area around Venice, but achieved considerable success in Britain largely through the efforts of Lord Burlington (1694-1753) & Colven Campbell (1676-1729).

PALMETTE

a stylized palm leaf shape used as a decorative element in classical art and architecture.  Take a look at some of Brockwell Incorporated's Palmette Molding designs.

Classical Example & Definition of a Palmette Motif by Brockwell Incorporated


PANEL
any flat, rigid support prepared with a ground for painting on, can be recessed or protruding (raised).

PANEL MOLDING
panels are usually held in place within a framework by means of molded beads. These moldings can be of various types, including: bead, flush, or bolection - while panels can be carved, raised and fielded, or have other decorations.

PANIER
an upright corbel over a pilaster and under a truss.

PATERA
a circular ornament resembling a dish, often worked in relief on friezes in Classical Architecture; the term has also come to be applied to a variety of flat ornaments used in all styles of architecture. When further embellished to become a stylized representative of a flower, it is called a rosette.

PEDESTAL
the block on which stands a column or statue, composed of the plinth, torus, dado and fascia.

PEDIMENT
the triangular space above the entablature at the short sides of a temple. Often richly decorated with sculpture in the round.

PENDANT
a decorative piece (made of masonry or turned wood) suspended from a roof or vergeboard: used especially in Gothic architecture.

PERGOLA
a covered walk in a garden featured by open space above with latticework. Regularly spaced with columns.

PERIPTERAL
when all four external sides have columns.

PERISTYLE
the rows of columns which surround a temple or courtyard.

PIEDROIT
a pilaster with no base or capital, also known as a lesene, and often found in Neoclassical work.

PIER
solid masonry supports with no base or capital; Romanesque and Gothic pillars; the solid support between openings in buildings.

PILASTER
an ornamental column carved in relief on a wall surface. Has a square shaft that projects from the wall and is 1/2 or less the width of the column.

PILLAR
a square post. It is distinct from a column.

PINEAPPLE
a symbol of hospitality. Like the pinecone, acorn, and ball - a common form for a finial is atop a gate.

PITCH
the angle between the slope of a roof or pediment and the horizontal.

PLINTH
the square section that comes below the base of a column.

POLYSTYLE
with many columns.

POMMEL
the ornament on top of a pinnacle, finial, etc. Any globular ornament.

PORTICO
a space for walking, usually columned, e.g.: at the front of a temple.

PRAIRIE HOUSE
a house style associated predominantly with the early work of Frank Lloyd Wright, the design was influenced by the open prairie of mid-western American. The houses featured open plans with a low, horizontal emphasis.

PROFILE
the vertical section, especially of a molding.

PRONAOS
the space between the outer columns and cella entrance in a temple.

PROPORTION
the just magnitude of each part, and of each part to another; the relationship existing between parts or elements that should render the whole harmonious in terms of balance, symmetry, and repose.

PROSTYLE
a temple with columns only at the front façade.

PTERA
the colonnade around the cell of a Greek temple.

PURLINS
the horizontal pieces of timber which rest on the principals, or main rafters, of a roof, and support the common rafters. In some districts purlins are called ribs, and rafters spars. Purlins are a common component of pergolas.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter Q

QUADRA
a square border or frame. The fillets of the Ionic base on the top and bottom of the scotia. The plinth or lowest member of apodium.

QUATREFOIL
four-leafed Gothic design found in tracery.

Four-sided pattern often found in Tracery.


QUOIN
cornerstone of a building, rising the entire height of the wall, and distinguished from the main construction material by size, texture, or conspicuous joining. In masonry construction, they reinforce the corners,; in wood construction, they do not bear any load, are made of wood and imitate the effect of stone or brick.

Quoin classical definition and illustrated residential example - ColumnsDirect.com




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter R

RAFTERS
inclined timbers which form the side of a roof, to which the roof covering is attached.

RAISED PANEL
panels having a raised area in the center, connected with the plane of the panel by a moulding or a swept section.

RECESSED PANEL
panels having a recessed area in the center, connected with the plane of the panel by a moulding or a swept section.

REEDED
a convex molding that runs the full length of the shaft; the reverse of fluting.

REGLET
a flat, narrow molding.

REGULA
a band below the taenia and above the guttae in a Doric entablature.

RELIEF
the projection of any sculpture or ornament from its background.

RESPOND
anta, corbel, or element where an arcade or colonnade engages with a wall.

RETURN
the continuation of a molding or projection in an opposite or different direction, with a terminating feature. The part that returns, usually at a right angle, from the front of a building.

RINCEAU
a continuous wave of foliate ornament - often a vine - on a band.

ROCOCO
a style where buildings were whimsical, playful, full of fantasy, and more lighthearted that the typical Baroque buildings.

ROSETTE
a kind of rose was sometimes used as an ornament on the face of the abacus on Corinthian capitals. It is also used as a decorative ornament on a variety of surfaces with the purpose of adding an ornate touch.

Browse our Compo Rosette designs.

black and white sketch of a round or circular rosette design for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary of architectural terms


RUNNING DOG
Greek ornamental design to look like a course of waves. Also called Vitruvian Wave.

running dog or vitruvian wave molding classical term for brockwell incorporated's illustrated glossary


RUSTICATION
masonry characterized by smooth or roughly textures block faces, and strongly emphasized recessed joint.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter S

SATYR
a creature with goat-like legs and hoofs, a human male torso and face, and horns. It represents fecundity, lust, and unbridled nature.

SCONCE
an electric lamp, resembling a candlestick or a group of candlesticks, which is designed and fabricated for mounting on a wall.

SCOTIA
a concave molding, usually found at the base of a column or a pilaster between the fillets of the torus moldings.

SCROLL
a name given to a numerous class of ornaments, which in general character resemble a band arranged in undulations or convolutions. A scroll is also another term for the volute of an Ionic, Corinthian, or Composite capital.

SHAFT
the portion of a column or pilaster between the base and the capital.

SIMA
the gutter which collected rainwater from the roof of a temple, often containing decorative spouts at regular intervals.

SOFFIT
exposed underpart of an arch, architrave, or overhanging cornice.

Soffit Example - Classical Architectural Terms & Glossary by ColumnsDirect.com


SPANDREL
space between an arched opening and the rectangle formed by the outer moldings above and to one side - often filled with painted decoration.

SPHINX
a recumbent lion, sometimes winged, with a human head.

STALK
an ornament in the Corinthian capital from which volutes and helices spring.

STAVE
one of the number of narrow boards used to build up a column or pillar.

STYLOBATE
the foundation on which a row of columns stand. Often slightly curved to aid drainage.

SUNBURST
an Eastlake decorative element shaped like a sun with radiating rays; often only a semi or quarter circle of the motif is used.

SUPERIMPOSED
when the Orders are used to define the stories of a classical façade and set one above the other. They have a hierarchical order: Doric is used at the bottom (being tough, primitive, and masculine). Ionic is above the Doric; and Corinthian is above the Ionic. In taller buildings, the Tuscan is used first, then the Roman Doric, the the Ionic, then the Corinthian, and then the Composite.

SWAG
a decoration resembling a garland of fruit, flower, or leaves draped between two points; a festoon.

SWANS NECK
a pediment with an open apex; each side terminates in curves resembling a swan’s neck.

SYMMETRY
uniformity or balance of one part of a building and another. Equal disposition of parts and the masses on either side of a center line, as a mirror-image.



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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter T

TAENIA
the fillet or band at the top of a Doric architrave, separating it from the frieze.

Taenia - Classical Architectural Term - Illustrated Glossary from Brockwell Incorporated


TAPER
a gradual diminution of thickness in a column.

Taper Column Drawing - Illustrated Glossary - ColumnsDirect.com


TEMPLATE
a pattern or mold used by workmen, especially by masons and bricklayers as a guide for the shape of their work. It is usually formed of a thin board, or sheet of metal.

TETRASTYLE
with four columns at each façade.

Tetrastyle Classical Example - Illustrated Glossary of Classical Terms


TORCH
when turned upside down, this symbol that is usually placed on funerary monuments and often held by a putto, represents death (the extinguishing of the flame). Upright torches are often associated with candelabra, and occur as decorative motifs in Neoclassical Architecture. The upright torch also symbolizes life, truth, hope & enlightenment.

Torch Example in Classical Architecture - Glossary Image | ColumnsDirect.com


TORUS
a bold projecting molding, convex in shape, generally forming the lowest member of a base over the plinth.

Torus - Definition & Illustrated Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated | ColumnsDirect.com


TRACERY
elaborate ornamental pattern-work in stone subdividing the upper part of a Gothic window. Today, traceries are often seen as a plaster material, and used for ceiling decorations.

Take a look at our Tracery Designs.

Tracery Pattern Illustrated Example - Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated


TRACHELIUM
Greek word for "neck." In architecture, it is the name referring to the neck of the capitals in both the Doric & Ionic orders. In the Greek Doric capital, it is the space between the annulets of the echinus and the grooves which mark the junction of the shaft and capital. In the Roman Doric and the Ionic orders, the term is given by modern writers to the interval between the lowest moulding of the capital and the top of the astragal and fillet, which were termed the hypotrachelium.

TRANSOM
a horizontal glazed opening above a door or window.

Transom Definition & Illustrated Example - Glossary by Brockwell Incorporated


TREFOIL
three-leafed as in Gothic tracery design.

Gothic Trefoil Design - Illustrated Glossary from Brockwell Incorporated


TRELLIS
a frame of thin bars of wood used as a screen or on which plants may climb. The structure is cross-barred or lattice-work.

Trellis Illustration - Glossary from Brockwell Incorporated


TRIGLYPH
a decorative element of a frieze with two vertical grooves. Often used in alteration with metopes.

Illustrated Glossary of Classical Terms:  Triglyph | ColumnsDirect.com


TRIUMPHAL COLUMN
a large, single column on a pedestal, erected as a public monument. The most celebrated example is that of Trajan (second century AD) with its spiral bands of sculpture and its massive base that contained the tomb-chamber of the Emperor.

Triumphal Column Example - Illustrated Glossary of Classical Architectural Terms


TUSCAN ORDER
a simplified version of the Roman Doric Order, having a plain frieze and no mutules in the cornice. The Tuscan Order is considered to be the simplest of the five Orders of Classical Architecture. Classically, the shaft of the column is never fluted, and the capital has a square abacus. The base consists of a square plinth and a large torus. The column height should be (7) times the diameter.

The Tuscan Order:  Illustrated Glossary of Classical Terms - Brockwell Incorporated


TRUMEAU
a center post supporting the lintel that spans the width of an arch in a Romanesque portal ensemble.

Trumeau Example - Classical Architectural Terms - ColumnsDirect.com


TYMPANUM
the area within a pediment, often decorated with scroll sawn ornaments, scalloped siding or sculpted figures as in Greek and Roman buildings.

Typanum Example - Classical Illustrated Terms - Brockwell Incorporated




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter U

URN
large ornamental bulbous containers often containing floral arrangements that became a decorative end piece on roofs and newel posts in classical Greek architecture.

Take a look at our Urn Appliques.

Classical Urn - Illustrated Glossary of Classical Terms - Brockwell Incorporated




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter V

VELLAR CUPOLA
a dome over staircases or salons, that is, over any compartment that is more than one story high. Also known as a sail dome.


VICTORIAN
this style represents a break with the classical restrictions of proportion and order. The Victorian era was a time of “free expression” in architecture. On Victorian buildings you often see a loose interpretive style of Italian Renaissance design that is sometimes called “free classical”. Buildings were highly detailed and were built during the reign of Queen Victoria of England, hence the name “Victorian”).

VIGNETTE
a running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, such as is frequently carved in the hollow moldings in Gothic architecture, especially in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles; also called ‘Trail.’

VIGNOLA
Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. He was an Italian architect in the 16th century who helped form the canons of classical architecture. He additionally helped create the system of columns being classified within the (5) Classical Orders of Architecture.

Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola - Illustrated Glossary of Architectural Terms


VILLA
a house in the country, often large and luxurious.

Villa Example - Ilustrated Glossary of Classical Terms - Brockwell Incorporated


VITRUVIAN SCROLL
a peculiar pattern of scroll-work, consisting of convolved undulations, used in Classical architecture. The name given after the great architectural writer Vitruvius. It is essentially a series of stylized waves. Also called a Running Dog.

Browse our Vitruvian Scroll mouldings.

Vitruvian Scroll Pattern - Illustrated Glossary of Classical Architectural Terms


VITRUVIUS
Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. He was a Roman author and architect during the 1st century BC, who significantly contributed to classical architecture with his multi-volume book, De architectura.

Marcus Vitruvius Pollio - Classical Terms Glossary - Brockwell Incorporated


VOLUTES
the scrolls of an Ionic capital, and also seen in the Corinthian & Composite Orders. The spiral elements of the capital.

Volutes - Illustrated Glossary:  Definition of Classical Terms - Brockwell Incorporated




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter W

WAINSCOT
this term originally seems to have implied rough planks of oak timber, and subsequently to have been given to wooden paneling, to which they were converted for lining the inner walls of houses and churches. It was extensively employed during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and James I, and for a long period afterwards. The name has long ceased to be confined to oak paneling. It is also called Seeling-work.

Wainscot Example - Illustrated Glossary of Classical Terms


WEATHERING
an inclination given to horizontal surfaces to throw off water.


WREATH
a twisted band, garland, or chaplet, representing flowers, fruits, leaves, etc. - often used as decorative elements.

Prevalent in Classical Greek & Roman eras, the wreath held several symbolic meanings, including: Victory, Strength, Eternity, and Remembrance.

Take a look at our Wreath Applique Designs.

Wreath Example:  Illustrated Glossary of Architectural Terms - ColumnsDirect.com


WROUGHT IRON
a tough, malleable, relatively soft iron that is readily forged and welded, having a fibrous structure containing approximately 0.2% carbon and a small amount of uniformly distributed slag.

Illustrated Glossary:  Wrought Iron - Classical Terms from Brockwell Incorporated




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter Y

YARD
a paved area, generally at the rear of a house. An enclosed utilitarian area surround by walls or outbuildings.




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Classically-Inspired Architectural Terms that Start with the Letter Z

ZIGGURATS
platforms with the temple of the local god on them - shops, houses clustered around them. Found in Mesopotamia, built by the Sumerians.

Ziggurat - Glossary of Architectural Terms - Brockwell Incorporated


ZOPHORUS
a frieze decorated with reliefs featuring animals.

Zophorus frieze in classical architecture




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BIBLIOGRAPHY & CITED WORKS:


Curl, James Stevens. Classical architecture: an introduction to its vocabulary and essentials, with a select glossary of terms. London: Batsford, 2001.

Harris, Cyril M. Illustrated dictionary of historic architecture. New York: Dover Publications, 19831977. Print.


Mark Cartwright. “A Visual Glossary of Classical Architecture,” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Last modified March 10, 2013. http://www.ancient.eu /article/486/.