entasis

[ en-tuh-sis ]

/ ˈɛn tə sɪs /

noun Architecture.

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

Nearby words

entamoeba, entangle, entanglement, entangling alliances with none, entasia, entasis, entebbe, entelechy, entellus, entente, entente cordiale

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for entasis

The Ionic column, thus made of greater proportional height, had diminution and entasis like the Doric.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
This entasis was surrounded by a row of leaves, again characterizing the ascending bundle as stems.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
The powerful shafts were doubly modified by the diminution and by the entasis.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
The entasis was entirely decided by such optical considerations.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber

The shaft is well shaped, with a moderate swelling (entasis).
Pompeii, Its Life and Art|August Mau

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