intercolumniation
|in-ter-co-lum-ni-a-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌɪntərkəˌlʌmniˈeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌɪntəkəˌlʌmniˈeɪʃ(ə)n/
space between columns
Etymology
'intercolumniation' originates from Latin, specifically from a formation combining the prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'columna' meaning 'column', with the noun-forming suffix '-ation' (from Latin '-ātiō').
'intercolumniation' comes via post-classical/Modern Latin (e.g. 'intercolumniātiō') and was adopted into English formation directly from these Latin elements; the word reflects a construction of Latin roots rather than a single inherited Old English term.
Initially, the composite term literally denoted 'the spacing between columns' in Latin technical use, and over time it has retained that specialized architectural meaning in English with little change.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the interval or clear distance between two adjacent columns in a colonnade or architectural order; often described in terms of column diameters or as a measured spacing between column centers or faces.
The intercolumniation of the classical façade was carefully measured to achieve the desired rhythm of light and shadow.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/01 15:55