cornice

[ kawr-nis ]

noun

1. Architecture.
   1. any prominent, continuous, horizontally projecting feature surmounting a wall or other construction, or dividing it horizontally for compositional purposes.
   2. the uppermost member of a classical entablature, consisting of a bed molding, a corona, and a cymatium, with rows of dentils, modillions, etc., often placed between the bed molding and the corona.
2. any of various other ornamental horizontal moldings or bands, as for concealing hooks or rods from which curtains are hung or for supporting picture hooks.
3. a mass of snow, ice, etc., projecting over a mountain ridge.

verb (used with object)

, cor·niced, cor·nic·ing.

1. to furnish or finish with a cornice.

cornice

/ ˈkɔːnɪs /

noun

1. architect
   1. the top projecting mouldings of an entablature
   2. a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc
2. an overhanging ledge of snow formed by the wind on the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie

verb

1. tr architect to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornice¹

1555–65; < Italian: literally, crow (< Latin cornix ); for the meaning, compare Greek korṓnē crow, crown

Word History and Origins

Origin of cornice¹

C16: from Old French, from Italian, perhaps from Latin cornix crow, but influenced also by Latin corōnis decorative flourish used by scribes, from Greek korōnis, from korōnē curved object, crown

Example Sentences

A week ago on the southern route, a harrowing human traffic jam left dozens of climbers shuffling in single file along a narrow ridge just below the summit — a pileup that turned deadly when a snow cornice collapsed beneath their feet.

From Los Angeles Times

The first step was to make it seven feet up from the window to a small ledge called a cornice.

From Literature

She reached again, this time lunging a bit, and managed to grab on to the cornice.

From Literature

One step was complete; now she had to cross the cornice over to a drainpipe.

From Literature

Brooklyn had worked her way uneasily along the cornice and reached the copper drainpipe.

From Literature