noun

capital

The top part of a column or pillar.

Carved leaves decorate the capital at the top of the column.

Etymology

Latin capitellum meant a little head. The architectural capital is the head of a column, forming its distinct upper member beneath the structure it supports.

More examples

  • The restorer cleans the stone capital.
  • Each pillar supports an ornate capital.
  • The temple's capitals follow a consistent design.

Forms

capital · capitals

Similar words

cornice
A projecting horizontal architectural feature rather than a column top.
abacus
The upper slab of some capitals, not the whole capital.