architrave

[ ahr-ki-treyv ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. the lowermost member of a classical entablature, resting originally upon columns.
2. a molded or decorated band framing a panel or an opening, especially a rectangular one, as of a door or window.

architrave

/ ˈɑːkɪˌtreɪv /

noun

1. the lowest part of an entablature that bears on the columns
2. a moulding around a doorway, window opening, etc

Other Words From

• archi·traval adjective
• archi·traved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of architrave¹

1555–65; Middle French < Italian; archi-, trave ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of architrave¹

C16: via French from Italian, from archi- + trave beam, from Latin trabs

Example Sentences

Boasting moulded architraves with pilasters and a truncated pyramidal roof topped with iron brattishing, the building's roof is now falling into dereliction.

From BBC

The door of 10 Downing Street was copied from the original and is enclosed within a composite fibreglass painted architrave "flanked by scrolled acanthus leaf corbels" and surrounded by black-painted iron railings.

From BBC

The mahogany architraves between the rooms bear forged-iron hardware; the heavy doors open and close with ease.

From New York Times

At each end, within newly installed polished Verde Guatemala marble architraves, towering decorative metal gates now lead to private areas made from the two additional apartments.

From New York Times

Atop massive half-columns, 38 Atlases, each 25 feet tall and carved from limestone, seemingly held up the architrave — the main beam that rests on the capitals of columns — with their bent arms.

From New York Times