echinus
architecture
Quick Summary
In architecture, an echinus is a rounded molding that lies directly beneath the abacus in the capital of a column, particularly in the Greek Doric order. This architectural term is derived from the Greek word for "sea urchin". The echinus, along with the abacus, forms the capital, which is the crowning member of a column that provides structural support for the horizontal member above. While the term "echinus" also refers to a sea urchin, in architecture, it specifically denotes this part of a column's capital.12
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