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Glite Dictionary
antefix

antefix

9.9
A small carved block at the edge of a tiled roof that hides where tiles meet
  • noun
  • /ˈæntəˌfɪks/
  • Specialized
: antefijo
  • Many Greek temples feature a row of antefixes to hide the ends of the roof tiles.

Examples

  • The ancient Roman villa was adorned with terracotta antefixes along the roofline.

  • An intricately carved antefix was unearthed during the excavation of the classical temple.

  • The antefix on the roof was beautifully carved.

  • Many ancient buildings feature antefixes to enhance their appearance.

  • An intricately carved antefix was unearthed during the excavation of the classical temple.

  • Many Greek temples feature a row of antefixes to hide the ends of the roof tiles.

  • The ancient Roman villa was adorned with terracotta antefixes along the roofline.

Surface Forms

antefix singular
antefixes plural

Morphology

antefix = fix (opaque) = ante + fix + ante

Although the form shows 'ante-' + 'fix', the specialized architectural sense ('decorative block at the eaves') is not predictable to a B1 learner from the components.

Etymology

Antefix comes from Latin parts ante- 'before' and -fix 'to fasten', so it literally means 'fastened in front'. An antefix is a small decorative block fixed to the front edge of roof tiles to hide their joints, which is why the name matches its use.