dentil

American  

[den-tl, -til] / ˈdɛn tl, -tɪl /

noun

Architecture.

1. any of a series of closely spaced, small, rectangular blocks, used especially in classical architecture beneath the coronas of Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite cornices.

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dentil British  

/ ˈdɛntɪl /

noun

1. one of a set of small square or rectangular blocks evenly spaced to form an ornamental row, usually under a classical cornice on a building, piece of furniture, etc

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Other Word Forms

• dentiled adjective

Etymology

Origin of dentil

1655–65; < French dentille (obsolete), feminine diminutive of dent tooth

Example Sentences

“I am at worck in the morning by the time I can see and the very same at night. I have got the cornice nearly don. I am bout the tow last members dentil and quarter round. I should put an architrave on the skie light frame befour I take the Scaffold down.”

From Washington Post

She has gutted the home, tearing down walls and adding dentil molding and paneling.

From Seattle Times

She has gutted it, tearing down walls and adding dentil molding and paneling.

From Washington Post

The dentil molding at the top of the second story and the Ionic columns are repeated on the fireplace mantel in one of the living rooms.

From Washington Post

“It has all the details: a turret, dentil work. It’s functional and comfortable from a systems standpoint, but all the detail around the windows and millwork we tried to make as period as possible,” says Anthony.

From Seattle Times