cymatium

[ si-mey-shee-uhm, sahy- ]

noun

, Architecture.

, plural cy·ma·ti·a [si-, mey, -shee-, uh, sahy-].

1. the uppermost member of a classical cornice or of a cornice of similar form: usually a cyma recta in classical examples. Compare sima ²
2. echinus ( def 2c ).

cymatium

/ sɪˈmeɪtɪəm; -ʃɪəm /

noun

1. architect the top moulding of a classical cornice or entablature

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymatium¹

1555–65; < Latin < Greek kȳmátion, equivalent to kȳmat- (stem of kŷma wave; cyma ) + -ion diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cymatium¹

C16: see cyma

Example Sentences

When the crowning moulding of an entablature is of the cyma form, it is called a “cymatium.”

From Project Gutenberg

In Greek and Roman temples the cymatium of the cornice was the gutter, and the water was discharged through the mouths of lions, whose heads were carved on the same.

From Project Gutenberg

This head, is worked from a block which forms the springing stone of both the cymatium and the corona of the pediment.

From Project Gutenberg

In Greek temples the water from the roof passed through the mouths of lions whose heads were carved or modelled in the marble or terra-cotta cymatium of the cornice.

From Project Gutenberg

It forms the crowning feature of the Egyptian temples, and took the place of the cymatium in many of the Etruscan temples.

From Project Gutenberg