cyma recta

9.9

A decorative edge with a curved top that bends inward and a curved bottom that bends outward

noun

Specialized

: cima recta

The classical temple featured an elaborate cornice decorated with a cyma recta molding.

Examples

The cyma recta provided a graceful transition between the wall and the roof.
Architects often choose between cyma recta and cyma reversa profiles for decorative edging.
The architect chose a cyma recta for the building's facade.
In the classical style, the cyma recta is a popular choice.
The classical temple featured an elaborate cornice decorated with a cyma recta molding.
Architects often choose between cyma recta and cyma reversa profiles for decorative edging.
The cyma recta provided a graceful transition between the wall and the roof.

Synonyms

cyma

vscyma recta

Specialized

9.9

A curved decorative molding with an S-shaped profile on the top edge of a building

is the form with the upper part concave and the lower part convex

cymatium

vscyma recta

Specialized

9.9

A curved decorative strip at the top of a wall or building shaped like an S

is specifically the form with upper concave and lower convex orientation

Surface Forms

cyma recta singular

cyma rectas plural

Morphology

cyma + recta

This is a specialized, Latin-derived architectural label: even if a learner knows 'cyma' as a type of molding, the element 'recta' is not a common English word and does not transparently signal the specific profile 'upper concave, lower convex'. The meaning is lexicalized within technical architectural vocabulary rather than being compositionally derived from everyday English words, so a B1 learner would not be able to infer it from the parts.

Etymology

Cyma recta is the name for a decorative moulding shaped like a gentle 'S'; the cyma at the top curves inward and the recta at the bottom curves outward. Because of this shape, builders use cyma recta to make a smooth, graceful edge between a wall and a roof.