Pediments

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A structural element typically serving as the triangular upper part of a building's front, often supported by columns
  2. An architectural feature that may adorn the entrances or windows of structures, enhancing visual appeal
  3. A term describing both decorative and functional elements in classical architecture, marking the transition between walls and roof structures

Etymology: The term at hand traces back to classical architecture, where it originally described the triangular gable found above the horizontal structure (entablature) that rests on columns. These triangular forms, often richly adorned with sculpture or relief, crowned the entrances of Greek temples and later Roman buildings, serving both structural and decorative purposes. The word's roots lie in Latin, where "pedimentum" meant "a small foot" or "base," reflecting the idea of a supporting element, though in architecture it came to signify this crowning triangular feature. As architectural styles evolved during the Renaissance, the concept and form of these triangular pediments were revived and integrated into the design vocabulary of Western architecture. The term entered English in the late 16th or early 17th century, borrowed from the Italian "pedimento," which itself came from the Latin source. The Italian usage likely emerged as architects and scholars studied and revived classical texts and monuments, bringing classical architectural terminology into vernacular use. Interestingly, the Latin root "pes, pedis" means "foot," but the architectural pediment is not literally a foot but rather a "base" or "support," which may reflect a more abstract sense of foundation or framing element. Over time, pediments came to be recognized not only as temple features but also as decorative elements in domestic and civic buildings, sometimes losing the strict triangular shape to include curved or segmented forms. While the word has remained primarily tied to architecture, its plural form denotes multiple such features, whether on a single grand building or across many structures. Its endurance in English reflects the lasting influence of classical architecture on Western building design and the continued appreciation for these distinctive, crowning elements.

Synonyms: arches, cornices, gables