noun
pediment
PED-ih-munt/ˈpedɪmənt/
A triangular gable above a classical building front or opening.
A triangular pediment crowns the museum's entrance above four tall columns.
Etymology
The earlier word periment is of uncertain origin, but probably represents a garbled form of pyramid. The link may be the triangular shape of this upper part of a classical building.
In context
At the front and rear of each temple, the entablature supports a triangular structure called the "pediment".
More examples
- Carved figures fill the pediment above the temple's columns.
- The architect adds a small pediment above each window.
- Both wings of the courthouse have plain stone pediments.
Forms
pediment · pediments
Similar words
- gable
- A triangular wall end beneath a roof, not necessarily classical.