entasis

American  

[en-tuh-sis] / ˈɛn tə sɪs /

noun

Architecture.

1. a slight convexity given to a column or tower, as to correct an optical illusion.

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entasis British  

/ ˈɛntəsɪs /

noun

1. a slightly convex curve given to the shaft of a column, pier, or similar structure, to correct the illusion of concavity produced by a straight shaft

2. Also called: entasia. physiol an involuntary or spasmodic muscular contraction

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Etymology

Origin of entasis

1745–55; < Greek, equivalent to enta- (variant stem of enteínein to stretch tight, equivalent to en- en- ² + teínein to stretch) + -sis -sis

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

entasis

The ancient Greeks made their columns bulge out slightly about a third of the way up to correct for the optical illusion of concavity — a technique known as entasis.

From Washington Post

The entasis is almost invariably introduced in the spires of English churches.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 "English Language" to "Epsom Salts" by Various

This, the most pleasing of all the renaissance cloisters in Portugal, has four arches on each side resting on fluted columns which though taller than usual in cloisters, have no entasis.

From Portuguese Architecture by Walter Crum Watson

The best known correction is the diminution in diameter or taper, and the entasis or convex curve of the tapered outline of the shaft of the column.

From Architecture Classic and Early Christian by T. Roger (Thomas Roger) Smith

Sometimes they would give it, with exaggerated refinement, the entasis of the Greek column.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 27, January, 1860 by Various

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