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 calledsocle the rectangular slab or block that forms the lowest part of the base of a column, statue, pedestal, or pier
2. Also calledplinth 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 Words From

• plinthless adjective
• plinthlike 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

Example Sentences

The 40-foot stone plinth remains in place, covered with colorful graffiti from last summer’s racial and social justice protests.

From Washington Post

Though the monument itself was unveiled in 1890, the time capsule was planted in 1887 along with the first parts of the giant plinth.

From Washington Post

Aware of that status, Northam’s office still plans to take down the metal statue — though the fate of its stone plinth is an open question.

From Washington Post

I half-expected him to barnstorm out in riding boots and harangue us, Mussolini-style, underlit from a plinth.

From The Daily Beast

A giant toy duck was waddling on top of the fourth plinth when I arrived in Trafalgar Square mid-morning.

From The Daily Beast

The forty-six stalls in the choir, erected on a plinth of red sandstone, belong to this period (1401-19).

From Project Gutenberg

The panels of the desks are elaborately worked, and the stone plinth which supports them is decorated with quatrefoils.

From Project Gutenberg

But the lower will seem to be larger, because it will project to the edge of the plinth.

From Project Gutenberg

LIX., and c the angle of the square plinth projecting beneath it.

From Project Gutenberg

The plinth which forms the upper part of the capital—supporting the entablature by bearing the lower surface of the epistyle beam.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• podium