dentil

[ den-tl, -til ]

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.

dentil

/ 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

Other Words From

• dentiled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentil¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dentil¹

C17: from French, from obsolete dentille a little tooth, from dent tooth

Example Sentences

Dentil band, in Classic architecture, a series of small blocks resembling square-shaped teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

The only carved molding is the Grecian fret of the dentil course in the pedimental cornice.

From Project Gutenberg

Fragments of the lintel over the outer door, with its projecting dentil cornice, are preserved in one of the shops (Fig. 138).

From Project Gutenberg

In the Diaconissa the notched dentil form is used for the beads; in the Chora, a 'bead and reel.'

From Project Gutenberg

External cornices are in coursed brick, the alternate courses being laid diagonally so as to form the characteristic dentil.

From Project Gutenberg