Intercolumniation

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Intercolumniation \In`ter*co*lum`ni*a"tion\, n. (Arch.)
     The clear space between two columns, measured at the bottom
     of their shafts. --Gwilt.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: It is customary to measure the intercolumniation in


           terms of the diameter of the shaft, taken also at the
           bottom. Different words, derived from the Greek, are in
           use to denote certain common proportions. They are:
           {Pycnostyle}, when the intercolumniation is of one and
           a half diameters; {Systyle}, of two diameters;
           {Eustyle}, of two and a quarter diameters; {Diastyle},
           of three diameters; {Ar[ae]ostyle}, of four or more,
           and so great that a wooden architrave has to be used
           instead of stone; {Ar[ae]osystyle}, when the
           intercolumniations are alternately systyle and
           ar[ae]ostyle.
           [1913 Webster]