plafond

[ pluh-fon; French pla-fawn ]

noun

, Architecture.

, plural pla·fonds [pl, uh, -, fonz, pl, a, -, fawn].

1. a ceiling, whether flat or arched, especially one of decorative character.

plafond

/ plafɔ̃; pləˈfɒn /

noun

1. a ceiling, esp one having ornamentation
2. a card game, a precursor of contract bridge

Word History and Origins

Origin of plafond¹

1655–65; < French; Middle French platfond ceiling, literally, flat bottom, i.e., underside. See plate ¹, fund

Word History and Origins

Origin of plafond¹

C17: from French, literally: ceiling, maximum, from plat flat + fond bottom, from Latin fundus bottom

Example Sentences

This picture is the finished sketch of a plafond now at Dijon, the birth-place of the painter.

From Project Gutenberg

Silken carpets covered the floor, and the plafond of this gigantic hall was formed by the thousand-starred arch of heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

Above, garlands of flowers and evergreens, from which thousands of coloured lamps were suspended, formed the plafond.

From Project Gutenberg

As I was poking about, two urchins accosted me and asked if I would like to see the plafond.

From Project Gutenberg

Beautiful oil-paintings, in tasteful gold frames, ornament the plafond; but the magnificent chandelier is the greatest curiosity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beam
• plaster
• roof