cornice
[ kawr-nis ]
/ ˈkɔr nɪs /
noun
Architecture.
- any prominent, continuous, horizontally projecting feature surmounting a wall or other construction, or dividing it horizontally for compositional purposes.
- the uppermost member of a classical entablature, consisting of a bed molding, a corona, and a cymatium, with rows of dentils, modillions, etc., often placed between the bed molding and the corona.
any of various other ornamental horizontal moldings or bands, as for concealing hooks or rods from which curtains are hung or for supporting picture hooks.
a mass of snow, ice, etc., projecting over a mountain ridge.
verb (used with object), cor·niced, cor·nic·ing.
to furnish or finish with a cornice.
Origin of cornice
1555–65; < Italian: literally, crow (< Latin
cornix); for the meaning, compare Greek
korṓnē crow,
crown
Words nearby cornice
Example sentences from the Web for cornice
British Dictionary definitions for cornice
cornice
/ (ˈkɔːnɪs) /
noun
architect
- the top projecting mouldings of an entablature
- a continuous horizontal projecting course or moulding at the top of a wall, building, etc
an overhanging ledge of snow formed by the wind on the edge of a mountain ridge, cliff, or corrie
verb
(tr) architect
to furnish or decorate with or as if with a cornice
Word Origin for cornice
C16: from Old French, from Italian, perhaps from Latin
cornix crow, but influenced also by Latin
corōnis decorative flourish used by scribes, from Greek
korōnis, from
korōnē curved object,
crown