Architecture and Construction - Ornamental Features in Architecture

Here you will learn some English words related to ornamental features in architecture such as "molding", "groove", and "plaque".

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Architecture and Construction
molding [noun]

a narrow piece of plaster, wood, or other material, used as decoration along the top of a wall, around a door, etc.

Ex: The ceiling 's intricate plaster molding was a highlight of the historic home .
relief [noun]

a sculptural technique in which shapes or figures are raised above a flat background

Ex: The artisan taught students how to create depth in relief work .
frieze [noun]

a narrow and decorative border that has engravings or pictures on it, especially above the walls of a room or building

Ex:
rosette [noun]

a decorative element in the shape of a stylized flower, often used as an ornament or embellishment in architecture and design

a decorative frame or panel, typically in the shape of an oval or rectangle, used to showcase inscriptions, symbols, or decorative motifs, commonly found in Egyptian and Renaissance architecture

cornice [noun]

an ornamental border made of plaster or wood, often used around the top of a wall where it meets the ceiling

Ex: The intricate cornice added a touch of sophistication to the dining room .

decorative motifs or patterns characterized by flowing, curving lines resembling scrolls or spirals, often used to adorn architectural elements such as friezes, moldings, and ironwork

balconet [noun]

a small balcony or railing-like structure typically found on the upper level of a building, often ornamental in nature and providing a decorative accent to the façade

a decorative technique used in architecture, particularly on exterior surfaces, involving the application of ornamental plasterwork or stucco to create intricate patterns, designs, or reliefs

fretwork [noun]

decorative designs that are cut into metal, wood, etc.

accolade [noun]

a curved ornamental feature, typically placed above doorways, windows, or niches, often found in Gothic architecture

Ex: The accolade above the doorway added elegance to the stone façade .
annulet [noun]

a small circular ornament or molding, resembling a ring, used in architectural design for decorative purposes

a decorative molding or band that spans the curved underside of an arch, often adorned with intricate sculptural or ornamental details

billet [noun]

decorative elements used in medieval architecture, especially in Romanesque designs

Ex: The Norman church featured billets along the roofline .

a decorative architectural element or motif consisting of five rounded lobes or petals arranged in a symmetrical design, resembling a five-leafed clover or flower

cordon [noun]

a decorative horizontal band or molding on a building's exterior

crocket [noun]

a small projecting ornament, often in the form of a leaf or a bud, used to decorate the edges or angles of architectural elements such as spires, pinnacles, or gables

the presence of a pointed or cusped feature, typically seen in architectural elements such as arches, tracery, or ornamental designs

dentil [noun]

a small, rectangular-shaped block or tooth-like projection used as a decorative element in the molding or cornice of a building

dogtooth [noun]

a small, pointed, tooth-like ornament often used in architectural detailing, characterized by its sharp, triangular shape resembling the tooth of a dog

finial [noun]

a decorative element placed at the top or end of an architectural feature or object

fluting [noun]

a series of vertical grooves or shallow concave channels that are often found on columns, pilasters, or other architectural elements

groove [noun]

a long, narrow cut or indentation, often linear in shape, that is typically found on surfaces such as columns, moldings, or panels in architectural design

a decorative architectural element positioned at the front of a building, often serving as an entrance or decorative feature

coffer [noun]

a sunken decorative panel, typically square or rectangular in shape, that is used to adorn ceilings, domes, or vaults in architecture

gutta [noun]

a small, rectangular or cone-shaped decorative element typically found on the underside of the triglyphs in a Doric frieze

meander [noun]

a continuous, repeating design made of straight lines and right angles, often seen in Greek art and architecture

Ex: She chose wallpaper with a subtle meander design for the hallway .
pendant [noun]

a decorative hanging ornament or pendant-shaped element that is suspended from a ceiling or structure

a decorative element or motif consisting of four overlapping circles or lobes that form a symmetrical shape resembling a four-leaf clover

Ex: The medieval castle 's gatehouse featured a quatrefoil window above the entrance , allowing defenders to observe approaching threats .

a decorative motif in architecture and design that consists of interlacing or overlapping bands or straps, often in a geometric or scrolling pattern

strigil [noun]

a decorative motif or pattern resembling the shape or design of the ancient strigil tool

beading [noun]

a decorative molding or edging characterized by a series of small, rounded or elongated shapes resembling beads, often used to add detail and visual interest to surfaces or edges

astragal [noun]

a decorative molding or profile that consists of a semi-circular shape or a series of small beads, often used to create a decorative border or separation between two surfaces

a raised, projecting molding or frame with a distinctive profile, often used around doors, windows, or paneling to create a decorative and three-dimensional effect on the surface

bead [noun]

a rounded molding or trim used for edging or ornamenting furniture and woodwork

Ex: The door frame was decorated with a fine bead .
beak [noun]

a projecting or ornamental feature resembling the beak of a bird, typically found at the end or corner of a roof, canopy, or gable

a type of molding that is typically used at the junction between a wall and a ceiling or between different architectural elements

cavetto [noun]

a concave molding or profile with a curved shape, resembling a segment of a circle

ovolo [noun]

a rounded molding with a convex quarter-circle cross-section, used as a decorative element to add elegance and visual appeal to various architectural features

ectype [noun]

a replica, copy, or reproduction of a decorative element or architectural detail, often created for restoration or preservation purposes

gadroon [noun]

a decorative motif or molding consisting of convex, rounded, or scalloped shapes that are typically repeated in a regular pattern

quirk [noun]

a small, recessed detail or groove used to create a visual transition or decorative element between different architectural features

calotte [noun]

a small, dome-like or vaulted structure, often used as a decorative element or as a covering for a specific area

baguette [noun]

a slender, elongated architectural feature, decorative or functional, typically made of stone, metal, or wood

Ex: Architects often use baguettes to create vertical emphasis on buildings .
cresting [noun]

decorative ornamental elements, such as finials or small sculptures, often found along the ridge or top edge of a roof or wall, adding visual interest and architectural detail

a sculpted or decorative element that is placed at the end or termination point of a structure, such as a column, pilaster, or balustrade

a decorative molding or trim used in interior design and woodworking

a circular or oval decorative element used in architecture and design to add ornamental detail, often featuring intricate patterns or symbols

cushion [noun]

a decorative element or motif resembling a cushion or pillow, often used to adorn the bases or capitals of columns, pilasters, or other architectural features

the art of using plaster to create intricate and decorative designs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of architectural interiors

a decorative structure, often made of fabric or richly adorned materials, supported by columns or suspended from the ceiling, used to cover or highlight an important object or area, such as an altar or a throne

necking [noun]

a decorative band or molding found at the top of a column, typically serving as a transition between the shaft and the capital

plaque [noun]

a board made of stone, wood, etc. with writings on it, attached to a building to honor an important person or event

channel [noun]

a groove or recessed groove-like feature, often found on columns, moldings, or other architectural elements, adding decorative or functional detail to the surface

reed [noun]

a vertical groove or rib, often decorative, resembling a reed stem, found on columns, pilasters, or other architectural elements

Ex: Classical buildings often use reed patterns on pilasters .
stria [noun]

a long, narrow groove or linear marking, often found on surfaces such as walls or columns, adding texture or decorative detailing to the architectural element

acanthus [noun]

a decorative motif commonly used in architecture, characterized by the stylized representation of the leaves of the acanthus plant

conge [noun]

a concave or curved profile or molding used as a transitional element between different parts of a building or between different architectural features

scotia [noun]

a concave, curved molding that gradually decreases in diameter from top to bottom, often used for decorative purposes on columns and other architectural elements

volute [noun]

a spiral or scroll-like architectural ornament, typically found at the top of a column capital, staircase railing, or decorative molding

Ex: The Baroque façade was embellished with decorative volutes , a hallmark of the architectural style 's exuberance and drama .
coving [noun]

a decorative molding or curved section that is typically installed along the meeting point of a wall and ceiling to add aesthetic appeal and create a smooth transition

filet [noun]

a narrow, rounded, or beveled strip used to create a smooth or decorative transition between surfaces

Ex: Architects often use a filet to add subtle elegance .
capstone [noun]

the final, crowning stone or element placed at the top of a structure, often symbolizing completion or achievement

breast [noun]

a curved or rounded projection, such as the front surface of a molding or the convex part of a cornice

Ex: The sculptor emphasized the breast of the arch for aesthetic effect .