| Part of Speech | Definition | |
| Noun | 1. One of the small pedestals, for statues or other ornaments, placed on the apex and at the basal angles of a pediment. Acroteria are also sometimes placed upon the gables in Gothic architecture.[Websters]
2. One of the pedestals, for vases or statues, forming a part roof balustrade.[Websters]. | |
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Date "ACROTERIUM" was first used in popular English literature: sometime before 1914. (references) |
| Etymology:Acroterium \Ac`ro*te`ri*um\ (-[u^]m), noun; plural Acroteria. [Latin, from Greek 'akrwth`rion summit, from 'a`kros topmost.]. (references) |
Specialty Definition: ACROTERIUM
| Domain | Definition | ||
| Antiquities | Acroterium (akrôtêrion). A word generally used in the plural, and signifying the extremity of anything. (1) In architecture it is the same as fastigium (q.v.), the sloping roof of a building, and also for the ornamental front or gable. A more usual meaning is the pedestals placed on the summit of a pediment to receive statues or other ornamental figures. There were three acroteria, one over each angle of the pediment. (2) The extremities of the prow of a vessel, which were usually taken from a conquered vessel as a mark of victory. Hence, the act of so doing is expressed by the verb akrôtêriazein. (3) The extremities of a statue, such as the head, feet, hands, wings, etc. (references) | ||
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
