entasis

[ en-tuh-sis ]

/ ˈɛn tə sɪs /

noun Architecture.

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

Words nearby entasis

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. 2020

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