noun
architrave
The lowest horizontal beam resting on columns in classical architecture.
The architrave rests directly on the columns beneath the decorated frieze.
Etymology
The pieces identify a principal beam. In classical architecture, that beam rests directly on the columns and forms the lowest horizontal part of the structure above them.
More examples
- The diagram labels the architrave below the other horizontal sections.
- A crack runs across the stone architrave.
- The ruins preserve several fragments of ancient architraves.
Forms
architrave · architraves
Similar words
- lintel
- A beam above an opening without necessarily a classical order.
- entablature
- The entire horizontal structure, of which the architrave is part.