plinth

American  

[plinth] / plɪnθ /

noun

Architecture.

1. a slablike member beneath the base of a column or pier.

2. a square base or a lower block, as of a pedestal.

3. Also called plinth course.  a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall; earth table.

4. (in joinery) a flat member at the bottom of an architrave, dado, baseboard, or the like.

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plinth British  

/ plɪnθ /

noun

1. Also called: socle.  the rectangular slab or block that forms the lowest part of the base of a column, statue, pedestal, or pier

2. Also called: plinth course.  the lowest part of the wall of a building that appears above ground level, esp one that is formed of a course of stone or brick

3. a flat block on either side of a doorframe, where the architrave meets the skirting

4. a flat base on which a structure or piece of equipment is placed

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Other Word Forms

• plinthless adjective
• plinthlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of plinth

1555–65; earlier plinthus < Latin < Greek plínthos plinth, squared stone, brick, tile

Example Sentences

In her studio, multiple towering sculptures are ensconced in cardboard and bubble wrap, while others — works in progress — sit on plinths, lean against walls, or hang from the ceiling.

From Los Angeles Times

He said he created a micro sculpture of a graduation certificate being grasped by the hand of a newly qualified student, which is "less than a millimetre wide and set on a solid gold plinth".

From BBC

Inside conservators carefully unwrapped artworks from protective packaging, inspecting each piece and taking meticulous records before positioning them on walls and plinths.

From BBC

But the thing on the left is just a geometric slab of no discernible purpose, a plinth with no identity.

From The Wall Street Journal

The same sculpture was first installed at the village's other plinth in 2023, but was repeatedly damaged and the same mystery artist replaced it with a more sturdy concrete statue.

From BBC

Related Words

• podium