ECHINUS

echinus

(noun) ovolo molding between the shaft and the abacus of a Doric column

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

echinus (plural echinuses or echini)

A sea urchin.

(architecture) The rounded moulding forming the bell of the capital of the Grecian Doric style, which is of a peculiar elastic curve.

(architecture) The quarter-round moulding (ovolo) of the Roman Doric style.

(architecture) The egg-and-anchor or egg-and-dart moulding, because often identified with the Roman Doric capital.

Anagrams

• Su-ch'ien

Source: Wiktionary

E*chi"nus, n.; pl. Echini. Etym: [L., a hedgehog, sea urchin, Gr.

1. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A hedgehog.

2. (Zoöl.)

Definition: A genus of echinoderms, including the common edible sea urchin of Europe.

3. (Arch.) (a) The rounded molding forming the bell of the capital of the Grecian Doric style, which is of a peculiar elastic curve. See Entablature. (b) The quarter-round molding (ovolo) of the Roman Doric style. See Illust. of Column (c) A name sometimes given to the egg and anchor or egg and dart molding, because that ornament is often identified with Roman Doric capital. The name probably alludes to the shape of the shell of the sea urchin.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition