cornice

American  

[kawr-nis] / ˈkɔr nɪs /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. any prominent, continuous, horizontally projecting feature surmounting a wall or other construction, or dividing it horizontally for compositional purposes.

   2. the uppermost member of a classical entablature, consisting of a bed molding, a corona, and a cymatium, with rows of dentils, modillions, etc., often placed between the bed molding and the corona.

2. any of various other ornamental horizontal moldings or bands, as for concealing hooks or rods from which curtains are hung or for supporting picture hooks.

3. a mass of snow, ice, etc., projecting over a mountain ridge.

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verb (used with object)

corniced, cornicing

1. to furnish or finish with a cornice.

cornice British  

/ ˈkɔːnɪs /

noun

1. architect

   1. the top projecting mouldings of an entablature

   2. a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc

2. an overhanging ledge of snow formed by the wind on the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie

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verb

1. (tr) architect to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice

Etymology

Origin of cornice

1555–65; < Italian: literally, crow (< Latin cornix ); for the meaning, compare Greek korṓnē crow, crown

Example Sentences

It eliminates a setback from the podium and compresses the podium itself, aligning its cornice a little more with the buildings on Water Street.

From New York Times

While snowshoers generally stay off the steep pitches that skiers seek out, that does not make them immune from avalanche risk or other hazards, like tree wells and snow cornices.

From Seattle Times

Avalanches can be triggered by the natural collapse of overhanging ledges of snow called cornices or accidentally by skiers, hillwalkers and climbers.

From BBC

She used these to recast the 19th-century cornices and ceiling roses.

From The Guardian

It turned out to be a massive cornice, an enormous blanket of snow folded over the chute.

From New York Times