capitel

capital (of a column)

noun kah-pee-TEHL Rare

Origin: From Latin capitellum, diminutive of caput (head).

Usage Note

Capitel is an architectural term for the decorative top section of a column, which sits between the shaft and the entablature. The three classical orders — Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian — are distinguished largely by the style of their capiteles. Not to be confused with capital (capital city or financial capital).

Examples

"El capitel corintio está decorado con hojas de acanto."

Natural Translation

The Corinthian capital is decorated with acanthus leaves.

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