architrave
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈɑrkɪˌtreɪv/
- Specialized
- When they stood before the last stretch of uneven stones, the columns and architrave looming above them into a pale blue sky enameled under a layer of mother-of-pearl, she tried to say something, but her voice was choked.
- pietra serena architrave
- serena architrave
Examples
-
(The low plinth above is virtually at the architrave level.)
Academic text (1992) -
Among these chapel columns, the two fluted ones that support the architrave of the large arch and show from the cathedral stand out admirably.
Academic text (1995) -
There is a grave beauty to her brow, like the beauty of the architrave of a temple.
Fiction book (1995) -
The detail contributes to the overall composition, most notably in the tablet that interrupts the architrave above the central bay.
Academic text (1992) -
Up and out into the clean air he went and strode across the plaza to the mosque, where he entered under the massive architrave.
Fiction book (1992) -
The recess for the tomb proper is framed at the sides by unmolded piers and at the top by an overhanging architrave.
Academic text (1992) -
Above the broad marble piers, an attic achieves a neat fit with the pietra serena architrave.
Academic text (1992) -
Arriving at the back door, Angelo studied it carefully, running his hand over the architrave, peering through the cracks with a small flashlight, and inspecting the hardware.
Fiction book (1992) -
The ornate architrave above the entrance adds elegance to the building's facade.
-
As she entered the room, her eyes were drawn to the beautifully carved architrave framing the doorway.
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word architrave comes from two old parts: archi- meaning 'chief', like in archbishop, and trave meaning 'beam'. So an architrave is literally the 'main beam' above a door or window, which is why today it means the horizontal frame or band you see over openings.