Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Ionian order

Ionian order

9.6
An ancient Greek style for columns with spiral scrolls on their tops
  • noun
  • /aɪˈoʊniən ˈɔrdər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : orden jónico
  • The columns in the ancient temple were designed in the Ionian order, featuring elegant spiral scrolls.

Examples

  • The architect chose the Ionian order for the library's portico to create a distinguished look.

  • The Ionian order is known for its elegant columns.

  • Many neoclassical buildings in Europe incorporate the Ionian order in their facades.

  • Many ancient temples featured the Ionian order prominently.

  • Many neoclassical buildings in Europe incorporate the Ionian order in their facades.

  • The architect chose the Ionian order for the library's portico to create a distinguished look.

  • The columns in the ancient temple were designed in the Ionian order, featuring elegant spiral scrolls.

Synonyms

Ionic order
vsIonian order
  • Specialized
9.3

A Greek column style with spiral scrolls on top

is an alternate historic form of the same architectural term

How Ornate

Corinthian order
  • Specialized
9.9
Ionian order
  • Specialized
9.6
Doric order
  • Specialized
9.2

Surface Forms

Ionian order singular
Ionian orders plural

Morphology

Ionian + order

The compound is directly compositional: 'Ionian' (pertaining to the Ionians) + 'order' (a style of classical architecture) yields an architectural style associated with the Ionians, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the general meaning. While detailed features (e.g. spiral volute capitals) are specialized and not predictable from the words alone, the core sense is transparent and parallels equivalents in other languages.

Etymology

Ionian order comes from Ionia, an area of ancient Greece where builders used tall columns with tops that look like rolled-up spiral scrolls. That's why the name now means 'a style of column' with those spiral decorations.