antefix

American  

[an-tuh-fiks] / ˈæn təˌfɪks /

noun

Architecture.

plural

antefixes, antefixa

1. an upright ornament at the eaves of a tiled roof, to conceal the foot of a row of convex tiles that cover the joints of the flat tiles.

2. an ornament above the top molding of a cornice.

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antefix British  

/ ˈæntɪˌfɪks, ˌæntɪˈfɪksəl /

noun

1. a carved ornament at the eaves of a roof to hide the joint between the tiles

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Other Word Forms

• antefixal adjective

Etymology

Origin of antefix

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin antefīxa, neuter plural of antefīxus “fastened in front,” equivalent to ante- “before” + fīxus, past participle of fīgere “to fix”; ante-, fix

Example Sentences

In ancient Etruscan civilization, antefixes were lively terra-cotta objects that often depicted female figures crowned by diadems, a jeweled crown or headband.

From New York Times

Its gable wall is topped by an antefix cross with bifid branches.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an impressive round-fronted classic structure of gray stone in the Corinthian order, with a semicircular colonnade above the first story supporting a handsomely executed entablature with conspicuous antefixes about the cornice.

From Project Gutenberg

The compluvium also was ornamented with a row of triangular tiles called antefixes, on which a mask or some other object was moulded in relief.

From Project Gutenberg

The antefix has the breadth of a hole and one eighth, and the thickness of one hole.

From Project Gutenberg