Corinthian

[ kuh-rin-thee-uhn ]

/ kəˈrɪn θi ən /

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adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth.

Architecture. noting or pertaining to one of the five classical orders invented in ancient Greece and similar in most respects to the Ionic but usually of slenderer proportions, and characterized by a deep capital with a round bell decorated with acanthus leaves and a square abacus with concave sides. The Corinthian capital has typically two distinct rows of acanthus leaves above which appear eight fluted sheaths, from each of which spring two scrolls (helices ), of which one curls beneath a corner of the abacus as half of a volute and the other curls beneath the center of the abacus.Compare composite (def. 3), Doric (def. 3), Ionic (def. 1), Tuscan (def. 2).

ornate, as literary style.

luxurious or licentious.

pertaining to or designating a style of vase painting developed in Corinth, in the 7th and early 6th centuries b.c., characterized chiefly by human, animal, and ornamental motifs, painted boldly in a black figure style on a terra-cotta ground, often arranged in tiers around the vase.

noun

a native or inhabitant of Corinth.

a man about town, especially one who lives luxuriously or, sometimes, dissolutely.

an amateur yachtsman.

Manège. a horse-show class in which each contestant must be a member of a recognized hunt and wear regulation hunt livery.Compare appointment (def. 7).

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Origin of Corinthian

1350–1400; Middle English Corinthi(es) men of Corinth (<Latin Corinthiī<Greek Korínthioi;see Corinth) + -an

Words nearby Corinthian

coriaceous, coriander, Corigliano, coring, Corinth, Corinthian, Corinthians, Coriolanus, Coriolis effect, Coriolis force, corious

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Corinthian in a sentence

However, when it came to practicality, especially during intense battle scenarios, the Corinthian helmets may have proved to be somewhat obtrusive to many of its wearers.
Hoplite: The Remarkable Citizen-Soldier of Ancient Greece|Dattatreya Mandal|August 2, 2022|Realm of History
You might think it involves pistons, or at the very least the seductive feel of rich Corinthian leather.
Titane Strives to Shock, But It's Running on Empty|Stephanie Zacharek|October 1, 2021|Time
To-day the white Corinthian-looking building called Doryford House was at its best, in the soft lambent light of an autumn day.
What Timmy Did|Marie Adelaide Belloc Lowndes
Its proportions did not greatly differ from those of the Greek Corinthian, but the mouldings in general were more elaborate.
Architecture|Thomas Roger Smith

Late that night Henry Guion stood on the terrace below the Corinthian-columned portico.
The Street Called Straight|Basil King
At the end of a court yard is the principal front consisting of a fine portico, adorned with large corinthian pillars.
How to Enjoy Paris in 1842|F. Herv
Then he hailed a hansom and desired to be driven to the street in which the Junior Corinthian Club was situated.
Rogues and Vagabonds|George R. Sims

British Dictionary definitions for Corinthian

Corinthian

/ (kəˈrɪnθɪən) /

adjective

of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth

of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leavesSee also Ionic, Doric, composite (def. 4), Tuscan

given to luxury; dissolute

ornate and elaborate

noun

a native or inhabitant of Corinth

an amateur sportsman

rare a man about town, esp one who is dissolute

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

Cultural definitions for Corinthian

Corinthian

[ (kuh-rin-thee-uhn) ]

One of the three main styles of Greek architecture (the others are Doric and Ionic). The Corinthian column is slender and fluted; the capital incorporates sculpted leaves.