architrave

[ ahr-ki-treyv ]

/ ˈɑr kɪˌtreɪv /

noun Architecture.

the lowermost member of a classical entablature, resting originally upon columns.

a molded or decorated band framing a panel or an opening, especially a rectangular one, as of a door or window.

Nearby words

Origin of architrave

1555–65; Middle French < Italian; see archi-, trave¹

Related formsar·chi·tra·val, adjectivear·chi·traved, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for architrave

The columns support an entablature with its frieze and cornice, but the architrave is wanting.
Sketches from the Subject and Neighbour Lands of Venice|Edward A. Freeman
At the top of each side, under the architrave, the name of the wind is inscribed in Greek characters.
A History of Inventions, Discoveries, and Origins, Volume II (of 2)|Johann Beckman
Passing under this archway into the Via Mazzanti is a lovely old fountain bearing the date of 1478 on the architrave.
The Story of Verona|Alethea Wiel
Above the frieze there is another narrow strip, or tenia, like that upon the architrave.
A History of Art for Beginners and Students|Clara Erskine Clement

It gives, however, a greater appearance of constructive repose to the architrave than the latter would have without it.
A History of Art in Ancient Egypt, Vol. II (of 2)|Georges Perrot

British Dictionary definitions for architrave

architrave

/ (ˈɑːkɪˌtreɪv) /

noun architect

the lowest part of an entablature that bears on the columns

a moulding around a doorway, window opening, etc

Word Origin for architrave

C16: via French from Italian, from archi- + trave beam, from Latin trabs

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for architrave

architrave

1560s, from Italian architrave, from archi- "beginning, origin" (see archon) + trave "beam," from Latin trabem (nominative trabs) "beam, timber," from PIE *treb- "dwelling" (see thorp).