plinth

[ plinth ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. a slablike member beneath the base of a column or pier.
2. a square base or a lower block, as of a pedestal.
3. Also called plinth course. a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall; earth table.
4. (in joinery) a flat member at the bottom of an architrave, dado, baseboard, or the like.

plinth

/ plɪnθ /

noun

1. Also calledsocle the rectangular slab or block that forms the lowest part of the base of a column, statue, pedestal, or pier
2. Also calledplinth course the lowest part of the wall of a building that appears above ground level, esp one that is formed of a course of stone or brick
3. a flat block on either side of a doorframe, where the architrave meets the skirting
4. a flat base on which a structure or piece of equipment is placed

Other Words From

• plinthless adjective
• plinthlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plinth¹

1555–65; earlier plinthus < Latin < Greek plínthos plinth, squared stone, brick, tile

Word History and Origins

Origin of plinth¹

C17: from Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos brick, shaped stone

Example Sentences

People, including local historians and councillors, have disagreed about putting a plaque on the plinth detailing Colston's slave trading past for several years.

From BBC

The bike now stands on a plinth at Trek's factory in the United States.

From BBC

Instead of sitting atop a glass elevator, Lavet’s work is now on a traditional plinth.

From Los Angeles Times

The plinth was built in 1841 to display a permanent statue of William IV, but money ran out.

From BBC

The artwork sat on the fourth plinth in London’s Trafalgar Square for two years from 2005.

From BBC

Related Words

• podium