Glossary
Echinus
Architectural element beneath the abacus. In a Doric capital it is convex and has no decorative motifs, whilst in an Ionic capital it is decorated with ovoli* (ionic kyma)
Elevation
The height of a building from the foundations to the roof. Also used to describe the drawing / plan that shows the whole, or just a part of the structure.
Encaustic
A painting technique used by the Greeks and Romans who used colours diluted with wax, resin or rubber that could only be used when melted and mixed. The hot “paint” was applied by spatula to dry, well sanded plaster.
Entablature
The horizontal structure of a temple comprising architrave, frieze and cornice. Usually however, it refers to the ensemble of horizontal elements supported by columns, pilasters and piers.
Entasis
The swollen part of the shaft of a column situated approximately a third of the way up, used to counteract the optical illusion that the central part of a column is narrower than its top or bottom when seen from a distance.