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entasis

[ en-tuh-sis ]
/ ˈɛn tə sɪs /
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noun Architecture.

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

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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

Words nearby entasis

entamoeba, entangle, entanglement, entangling alliances with none, entasia, entasis, Entebbe, entelechy, entellus, entente, entente cordiale
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

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British Dictionary definitions for entasis

entasis
/ (ˈɛntəsɪs) /

noun plural -ses (-siːz)

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
Also called: entasia (ɛnˈteɪzɪə) physiol an involuntary or spasmodic muscular contraction

Word Origin for entasis

C18: from Greek, from enteinein to stretch tight, from teinein to stretch
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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