cyma

[ sahy-muh ]

noun

, plural cy·mae [sahy, -mee], cy·mas.

1. Architecture. either of two moldings having a partly convex and partly concave curve for an outline: used especially in classical architecture. Compare cyma recta, cyma reversa.
2. Botany. a cyme.

cyma

/ ˈsaɪmə /

noun

1. either of two mouldings having a double curve, part concave and part convex. Cyma recta has the convex part nearer the wall and cyma reversa has the concave part nearer the wall
2. botany a rare variant of cyme

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyma¹

1555–65; < New Latin < Greek kŷma something swollen, a wave, wavy molding, sprout, equivalent to ký ( ein ) to be pregnant + -ma noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyma¹

C16: from New Latin, from Greek kuma something swollen, from kuein to be pregnant

Example Sentences

The corresponding cyma was of the same material and similarly decorated.

From Project Gutenberg

The cornice is of grey marble with a 'cyma recta' section, and is carved with an upright leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

The Doric cyma is commonly called the beak-moulding, the Lesbian cyma the cyma reversa.

From Project Gutenberg

When the crowning moulding of an entablature is of the cyma form, it is called a “cymatium.”

From Project Gutenberg

The parapet above, including its cyma and corona, is one half the height of the parapet below.

From Project Gutenberg