peristyle

[ per-uh-stahyl ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. a colonnade surrounding a building or an open space.
2. an open space, as a courtyard, surrounded by a colonnade.

peristyle

/ ˈpɛrɪˌstaɪl /

noun

1. a colonnade that surrounds a court or building
2. an area that is surrounded by a colonnade

Derived Forms

• ˌperiˈstylar, adjective

Other Words From

• peri·stylar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peristyle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of peristyle¹

C17: via French from Latin peristӯlum, from Greek peristulon, from peri- + stulos column

Example Sentences

East of the kitchen and yard is a narrow passage connecting the peristyle with the garden .

From Project Gutenberg

It should be remembered that in the best houses the bedrooms were preferably in the second story of the peristyle.

From Project Gutenberg

A peristyle that has one such higher colonnade is called a Rhodian peristyle.

From Project Gutenberg

He was out in the peristyle now, bowing low before the captain-general.

From Project Gutenberg

With what eagerness did I run every morning at sunrise to respire the perfumed air in the peristyle!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• portico