antefix

[ an-tuh-fiks ]

noun

, Architecture.

, plural an·te·fix·es, an·te·fix·a [an, -t, uh, -fik-s, uh].

1. an upright ornament at the eaves of a tiled roof, to conceal the foot of a row of convex tiles that cover the joints of the flat tiles.
2. an ornament above the top molding of a cornice.

antefix

/ ˈæntɪˌfɪks; ˌæntɪˈfɪksəl /

noun

1. a carved ornament at the eaves of a roof to hide the joint between the tiles

Derived Forms

• antefixal, adjective

Other Words From

• ante·fixal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antefix¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin antefīxa, neuter plural of antefīxus “fastened in front,” equivalent to ante- “before” + fīxus, past participle of fīgere “to fix”; ante-, fix

Word History and Origins

Origin of antefix¹

C19: from Latin antefixa (things) fastened in front, from fīgere to fix

Example Sentences

This antefix, valued at $97,425, is one of four that officials say were stolen from the Cerveteri Necropolis, a burial site outside of Rome, by an Italian looting network, 1994-1996.

From New York Times

Its gable wall is topped by an antefix cross with bifid branches.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an impressive round-fronted classic structure of gray stone in the Corinthian order, with a semicircular colonnade above the first story supporting a handsomely executed entablature with conspicuous antefixes about the cornice.

From Project Gutenberg

The compluvium also was ornamented with a row of triangular tiles called antefixes, on which a mask or some other object was moulded in relief.

From Project Gutenberg

The antefix has the breadth of a hole and one eighth, and the thickness of one hole.

From Project Gutenberg