dentil

American  

[den-tl, -til] / ˈdɛn tl, -tɪl /

noun

Architecture.

1. any of a series of closely spaced, small, rectangular blocks, used especially in classical architecture beneath the coronas of Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite cornices.

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dentil British  

/ ˈdɛntɪl /

noun

1. one of a set of small square or rectangular blocks evenly spaced to form an ornamental row, usually under a classical cornice on a building, piece of furniture, etc

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Other Word Forms

• dentiled adjective

Etymology

Origin of dentil

1655–65; < French dentille (obsolete), feminine diminutive of dent tooth

Example Sentences

The floor plan was reworked for this-century living, and dentil work and moldings were replaced.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 25, 2020

The dentil molding in the foyer is copied from the foyer at Mount Vernon.

From Washington Post • Aug. 20, 2020

Described by the historical trust as a “particularly fine decorative molded brick cornice,” the seven layers of exquisite brickwork include egg-and-dart, dentil and anthenium.

From Washington Post • Jun. 6, 2019

In the plant’s administration building, arched doorways, dentil molding and detailing in the classic egg-and-dart motif remain.

From Washington Post • Mar. 8, 2018

The plaster ceiling was bellied in great swags and the yellowed dentil molding was bowed and sprung from the upper walls.

From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy