Histories of Architecture Midterm Study Cards (Section 2: Columns Terms)

flat. often square slab directly over the columns capital

Abacus

bottom horizontal beam portion of the entablature, and rests on top of the abacus

Architrave

the Greek order that has a fluted shaft, no base, and an echinus molding supporting the abacus

Doric Order

The curved, cushion like molding that together with the abacus forms the capital in the Doric Order

Echinus

in classical architecture, the horizontal elements supported by the columns consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice

Entablature

The decorative, horizontal element above the architrave and below the cornice in an entablature

Frieze

The order that features volutes in the capital, the shaft is usually fluted

Ionic Order

the convex, half round molding located at the column base

Torus

decorative spiral found in the ionic, Corinthian, and composite capitals.

volute