entablature
|en-tab-la-ture|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈtæblətʃər/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈtæblətʃə/
table-like horizontal band above columns
Etymology
'entablature' originates from French, specifically the word 'entablement/entablure', where 'en-' is a causative/locative prefix and 'table' (from Latin 'tabula') meant 'table' or 'board'.
'entablature' changed from the French word 'entablure' (Middle French) and ultimately entered English in the 16th century as 'entablature', deriving earlier from Latin 'tabula' (meaning 'board, plank').
Initially it referred to a 'table' or 'board'-like element (from 'tabula'); over time it came to denote specifically the table-like horizontal assembly above columns in classical architecture.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in classical architecture, the horizontal superstructure that rests on top of columns, typically composed of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
The temple's richly carved entablature drew the most attention from visitors.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/07 05:52