peristyle

American  

[per-uh-stahyl] / ˈpɛr əˌstaɪl /

noun

Architecture.

1. a colonnade surrounding a building or an open space.

2. an open space, as a courtyard, surrounded by a colonnade.

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peristyle British  

/ ˈpɛrɪˌstaɪl /

noun

1. a colonnade that surrounds a court or building

2. an area that is surrounded by a colonnade

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Other Word Forms

• peristylar adjective

Etymology

Origin of peristyle

1605–15; < Latin peristȳlum < Greek perístȳlon, noun use of neuter of perístȳlos surrounded with columns, equivalent to peri- peri- + -stȳlos -style ²

Example Sentences

And for the next two nights, the Coliseum’s peristyle will be illuminated in blue light.

From Los Angeles Times

The torch was lit by Rafer Johnson, who not only had the good hands of a world-class athlete, but also a heart with a reach as high as the cauldron in the Coliseum’s peristyle end.

From Los Angeles Times

The year was 2001, and the fledgling XFL’s Los Angeles Xtreme were attempting to entice fans by promising they could watch games from an end zone hot tub located below the famed Coliseum peristyle.

From Los Angeles Times

Their Moderne vision blended Egyptian, Mediterranean Revival and Spanish styles into an immense elliptical bowl with a peristyle court at its eastern end.

From Los Angeles Times

College students gain entry to a “party porch” for $40, a standing-room-only general admission section located on the Coliseum’s peristyle steps.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• portico