Corinthian

[ kuh-rin-thee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Corinth.
2. Architecture. noting or pertaining to one of the five classical orders invented in ancient Greece and similar in most respects to the Ionic but usually of slenderer proportions, and characterized by a deep capital with a round bell decorated with acanthus leaves and a square abacus with concave sides. The Corinthian capital has typically two distinct rows of acanthus leaves above which appear eight fluted sheaths, from each of which spring two scrolls helices, of which one curls beneath a corner of the abacus as half of a volute and the other curls beneath the center of the abacus. Compare composite ( def 3 ), Doric ( def 3 ), Ionic ( def 1 ), Tuscan ( def 2 ).
3. ornate, as literary style.
4. luxurious or licentious.
5. pertaining to or designating a style of vase painting developed in Corinth, in the 7th and early 6th centuries b.c., characterized chiefly by human, animal, and ornamental motifs, painted boldly in a black figure style on a terra-cotta ground, often arranged in tiers around the vase.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Corinth.
2. a man about town, especially one who lives luxuriously or, sometimes, dissolutely.
3. an amateur yachtsman.
4. Manège. a horse-show class in which each contestant must be a member of a recognized hunt and wear regulation hunt livery. Compare appointment ( def 7 ).

Corinthian

/ kəˈrɪnθɪən /

adjective

1. of, characteristic of, or relating to Corinth
2. of, denoting, or relating to one of the five classical orders of architecture: characterized by a bell-shaped capital having carved ornaments based on acanthus leaves See also Ionic Doric composite Tuscan
3. given to luxury; dissolute
4. ornate and elaborate

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Corinth
2. an amateur sportsman
3. rare.
   a man about town, esp one who is dissolute

Corinthian

1. One of the three main styles of Greek architecture (the others are Doric and Ionic ). The Corinthian column is slender and fluted; the capital incorporates sculpted leaves.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Corinthian¹

1350–1400; Middle English Corinthi ( es ) men of Corinth (< Latin Corinthiī < Greek Korínthioi; Corinth ) + -an

Example Sentences

“At the games they give the runners who start too early a sound thrashing” with a rod, says a Corinthian general in Herodotus’ histories.

From Salon

His aggressive attacking style has impressed even the most sceptical fans and pundits, who were not initially convinced by his previous tenures at the helm of Lyon and Corinthians.

From BBC

The game will take place at Corinthians Arena, the home of Brazilian soccer team Corinthians.

From Seattle Times

In fact, Aequitas Management was mainly focused on student loan programs at Corinthian Colleges, a for-profit college, according to the SEC.

From Seattle Times

The game will be played at the Corinthians Arena, home to Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians.

From Seattle Times