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annulet

annulet

9.9
A small ring shaped band around the top of a column
  • noun
  • /ˈæn.jə.lɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : anillo
  • A simple annulet encircles the top of the pillar, just below the capital.

Examples

  • Restorers carefully repaired each annulet to preserve the column's classical style.

  • The fluted shaft is decorated with an annulet near its capital.

  • The annulet is a decorative feature on the column.

  • Architects often use annulets in classical designs.

  • A decorative annulet gracefully frames the top of the ancient column, enhancing its elegance.

  • The skilled craftsman added an annulet around the column's upper section to highlight its classical design.

  • In Roman architecture, an annulet is often found at the top of columns, serving both form and function.

Synonyms

annulus
vsannulet
  • Specialized
5 9.8

A ring-shaped area between two circles that have the same center

is the small architectural molding version rather than general geometric ring
bandlet
vsannulet
  • Specialized
9.9

A small ring of decoration around the top of a column

is the classical small ring molding usually on column tops
bandelette
vsannulet
  • Specialized
9.9

A narrow decorative band that goes around the top of a column in classical buildings

is the same but focuses on small size rather than narrow form
bandelet
vsannulet
  • Specialized
9.9

A narrow decorative band around the top of a column

is the same idea but usually described as a small architectural ring

Surface Forms

anulet singular
anulets plural

Morphology

annulet = annulus (semi-transparent) = annu + let

Formally a diminutive of a ring-form base (annulus → -let); the structure is literal but the base is technical and the diminutive is not obvious to average learners.

Etymology

Annulet comes from the Latin annulus meaning 'ring' plus the small ending -et meaning 'little', so it literally means 'small ring'. That's why in architecture an annulet is the little ring-shaped band that circles the top of a column.