pediment

[ ped-uh-muhnt ]

noun

1. (in classical architecture) a low gable, typically triangular with a horizontal cornice and raking cornices, surmounting a colonnade, an end wall, or a major division of a façade.
2. any imitation of this, often fancifully treated, used to crown an opening, a monument, etc., or to form part of a decorative scheme.
3. Geology. a gently sloping rock surface at the foot of a steep slope, as of a mountain, usually thinly covered with alluvium.

pediment

/ ˈpɛdɪmənt /

noun

1. a low-pitched gable, esp one that is triangular, as used in classical architecture
2. a gently sloping rock surface, formed through denudation under arid conditions

pediment

/ pĕd′ə-mənt /

1. A broad, gently sloping rock surface at the base of a steeper slope such as a mountain, often covered with alluvium. Pediments are formed through the exposure of bedrock by erosional processes, such as the flow of water. Pediments are usually found in arid regions where there is little vegetation to hold the overlying soil.

Derived Forms

• ˌpediˈmental, adjective

Other Words From

• ped·i·men·tal [ped-, uh, -, men, -tl], adjective
• ped·i·ment·ed [ped, -, uh, -men-tid, -m, uh, n-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pediment¹

1655–65; earlier pedament, pedement, alteration, by association with Latin pēs (stem ped- ) foot, of earlier peremint, perhaps an unlearned alteration of pyramid; pediment ( def 3 ) by construal as pedi- + -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of pediment¹

C16: from obsolete periment, perhaps workman's corruption of pyramid

Example Sentences

On many ornate facades in the city center, full-length windows topped with curlicued pediments are boarded over.

From Los Angeles Times

“My inspiration comes from temple pediments, from images on vases, because there is nothing that has been preserved — no movement, no dance — from antiquity,” she said.

From Seattle Times

Her casket will be carried up the steps in front of the court, passing under the iconic words engraved on the pediment, “Equal Justice Under Law,” and placed in the court’s Great Hall.

From Seattle Times

Free-standing statues filled the triangular pediments that stood above the marble columns on the building’s short sides.

From Seattle Times

The collection includes 15 sculpted relief panels and figures of gods and heroes from the temple's pediments.

From Reuters

Related Words

• basement
• bed
• floor
• ground
• seat
• underside