epistyle

[ ep-uh-stahyl ]

/ ˈɛp əˌstaɪl /

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noun

the architrave of a classical building.

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Origin of epistyle

1555–65; <Latin epistȳlium the crossbeam resting on the column <Greek epistŷlion crossbeam of architrave (epi-epi- + stŷl(os) a column, pillar, post + -ion diminutive suffix)

OTHER WORDS FROM epistyle

ep·i·sty·lar, adjective

Words nearby epistyle

epistoler, epistolic, epistolize, epistolography, epistrophe, epistyle, episyllogism, epit., epitaph, epitasis, epitaxial transistor

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use epistyle in a sentence

The plinth which forms the upper part of the capital—supporting the entablature by bearing the lower surface of the epistyle beam.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
The short band, corresponding to the triglyph, beneath the tnia moulding which crowns the epistyle; the listel.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
The continuous fillet which crowns the epistyle, representative of the wall-plate of the original timbered Doric construction.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber
Both faades were surmounted by epistyle, frieze and pediment.
Problems in Periclean Buildings|G. W. Elderkin

The lower stretches from pier to pier, or from column to column, as a connecting epistyle.
History of Ancient Art|Franz von Reber

British Dictionary definitions for epistyle

epistyle

/ (ˈɛpɪˌstaɪl) /

noun

another name for architrave (def. 1)

Word Origin for epistyle

C17: via Latin epistӯlium from Greek epistulion, from epi- + stulos column, style

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