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.

Back

© Copyright 2006 - 2018    The Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg Trust     Website Terms of Use