plinth

[plinth]

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.

plinth

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• plinthless adjective
• plinthlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plinth¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plinth¹

C17: from Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos brick, shaped stone

Related Words

• podium