plinth

[plinth]

noun

Architecture.

1. a slablike member beneath the base of a column or pier.

2. a square base or a lower block, as of a pedestal.

3. Also called plinth course. a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall; earth table.

4. (in joinery) a flat member at the bottom of an architrave, dado, baseboard, or the like.

plinth

/ plɪnθ /

noun

1. Also called: socle. the rectangular slab or block that forms the lowest part of the base of a column, statue, pedestal, or pier

2. Also called: plinth course. the lowest part of the wall of a building that appears above ground level, esp one that is formed of a course of stone or brick

3. a flat block on either side of a doorframe, where the architrave meets the skirting

4. a flat base on which a structure or piece of equipment is placed

Other Word Forms

• plinthless adjective
• plinthlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plinth¹

1555–65; earlier plinthus < Latin < Greek plínthos plinth, squared stone, brick, tile

Word History and Origins

Origin of plinth¹

C17: from Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos brick, shaped stone

Example Sentences

The new bronze-coloured, fibreglass effigy by a secretive sculptor appeared on one of the concrete plinths welcoming visitors to the village on Friday morning.

Read more on BBC

The memorial, which stands on a plinth on Market Place, was designed by Andy Edwards to commemorate 10 years since the rocker's death and 50 years since the band was formed.

Read more on BBC

In 2014, a man was arrested after spending 48 hours on the statue plinth as part of Occupy Democracy protests in Westminster, but was subsequently acquitted of all charges.

Read more on BBC

A new plaque has been installed on the plinth where a slave trader's statue once stood.

Read more on BBC

"The low plinth height and space around the statue allows crowds to congregate easily and the Molly Malone statue is a feature of tours given by tour guides."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• podium