Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg: Brief Table of Architectural Terms

Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Brief Table of Architectural Terms

Term Meaning

Altar Altar, covered with ciborum, ciborum covered by a dome. In order importance: alter, ciborum, apse or dome (represents heaven)
click here.

Apse A dome (over a ciborium) click here.

Capitol The top part of a column that bears weight (and has a distinctive design) click here.

Ciborium Vaulted canopy on four pillars, usually over an altar click here.

Column The top of the column called the capitol, bottom of the column called the plinth click here.

Cornice Ornamental molding around a wall, just below a ceiling.

Intarsia Marquetry (wood inlay, not ivory inlay).

Lintel A horizontal stone slab resting on beams or posts in a doorway click here.

Lunette A half-moon shaped structure above a door click here.

Pilaster A rectangular column (often ornamental, projecting from a wall: not standing independently).

Plinth The base upon which a column rests click here.

Portico A roof structure resting upon columns (different orders possible) in a temple or church click here.

Trabeation Beams rather than arches or vaulting in an architectural construction.

Term	Meaning
Altar	Altar, covered with ciborum, ciborum covered by a dome. In order importance: alter, ciborum, apse or dome (represents heaven) click here.
Apse	A dome (over a ciborium) click here.
Capitol	The top part of a column that bears weight (and has a distinctive design) click here.
Ciborium	Vaulted canopy on four pillars, usually over an altar click here.
Column	The top of the column called the capitol, bottom of the column called the plinth click here.
Cornice	Ornamental molding around a wall, just below a ceiling.
Intarsia	Marquetry (wood inlay, not ivory inlay).
Lintel	A horizontal stone slab resting on beams or posts in a doorway click here.
Lunette	A half-moon shaped structure above a door click here.
Pilaster	A rectangular column (often ornamental, projecting from a wall: not standing independently).
Plinth	The base upon which a column rests click here.
Portico	A roof structure resting upon columns (different orders possible) in a temple or church click here.
Trabeation	Beams rather than arches or vaulting in an architectural construction.

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Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg Brief Table of Architectural Terms

Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Brief Table of Architectural Terms