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shaft
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Greek architectural elements, including a Corinthian capital exhibiting the characteristic acanthus leaves.
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shaft

architecture
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Greek architectural elements, including a Corinthian capital exhibiting the characteristic acanthus leaves.
Greek architectural elements, including a Corinthian capital exhibiting the characteristic acanthus leaves.

The term "shaft" in architecture refers to a column or pillar that is cylindrical and stands between the capital and the base of a structure. It can also describe a small architectural column found at the sides of a doorway or a columnar monument. Additionally, a shaft can be a vertical opening or passage through the floors of a building. A related structure, the "shafthouse," is built at the top of a shaft to contain hoisting machinery. The verb "to shaft" can mean to fit something with a shaft or to treat someone unfairly.123

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