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

Instead of sitting atop a glass elevator, Lavet’s work is now on a traditional plinth.

From Los Angeles Times

The plinth was built in 1841 to display a permanent statue of William IV, but money ran out.

From BBC

The casts are arranged around the plinth in the form of a tzompantli, a skull rack that featured in Mesoamerican civilisations, used to display the remains of war captives or sacrificial victims.

From BBC

Hundreds of plaster casts of transgender and non-binary people have been unveiled as the latest installation on the Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth in central London.

From BBC

The artwork sat on the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square for two years from 2005.

From BBC

Related Words

• podium