cyma

[sahy-muh]

noun

plural

cymae, cymas 

1. Architecture.,  either of two moldings having a partly convex and partly concave curve for an outline: used especially in classical architecture.

2. Botany.,  a cyme.

cyma

/ ˈsaɪmə /

noun

1. either of two mouldings having a double curve, part concave and part convex. Cyma recta has the convex part nearer the wall and cyma reversa has the concave part nearer the wall

2. botany a rare variant of cyme

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyma¹

1555–65; < New Latin < Greek kŷma something swollen, a wave, wavy molding, sprout, equivalent to ký ( ein ) to be pregnant + -ma noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cyma¹

C16: from New Latin, from Greek kuma something swollen, from kuein to be pregnant

Example Sentences

A Glossary for Architectural Rubberneckers YOU can be an insufferable know-it-all with architectural terminology: “Oh, that’s not a cyma recta, it’s a cyma reversa.”

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When the concave part is uppermost, it is called a cyma recta; but if the convex portion is at the top, it is called a cyma reversa.

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The cornice is of grey marble with a 'cyma recta' section, and is carved with an upright leaf.

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Its general section is that of a cyma reversa surmounted by a flattened torus, and its appearance that of a vase decorated with curvilinear and geometrical tracery.

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The parapet above, including its cyma and corona, is one half the height of the parapet below.

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