aperipteral
|a-per-ip-ter-al|
/əˌpɛrɪpˈtɛrəl/
not surrounded by columns
Etymology
'aperipteral' originates from Greek elements, specifically from the prefix 'a-' (not) combined with 'peripteral' which derives from Greek 'peripteros' (surrounded by a colonnade) where 'peri-' meant 'around' and 'pteron' meant 'wing' or 'feather' (used for a projecting structure/colonnade).
'aperipteral' was formed in English from the negating prefix 'a-' plus the architectural adjective 'peripteral' (from Greek 'peripteros' and/or Latin/medieval architectural usage) and entered modern architectural terminology to describe temples or buildings that are not surrounded by a single row of columns.
Initially assembled from Greek elements to mean 'not surrounded by a colonnade', and this technical architectural meaning has been retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not peripteral; lacking a surrounding colonnade (not surrounded by a single row of columns), especially used of classical temples or similar buildings.
The small sanctuary was aperipteral, its walls uninterrupted by an encircling colonnade.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 03:05