entablature
UK[ɪnˈtæblətʃə]US[ɪnˈtæblətʃər]
n
The upper part of a classical building, supported by columns and consisting of the architrave, frieze, and cornice.
n
A similar structure in other architectural styles.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
table
ature
en
table
ature
Etymology
The word 'entablature' is a direct architectural borrowing from Italian 'intavolatura', which itself derives from the Medieval Latin 'intabulatura', meaning "a structure of boards or tables". Its core Latin root is 'tabula', signifying a flat piece of wood or a writing tablet, which evolved to mean any flat, horizontal surface. In architectural terminology, this literal sense of a "boarded structure" was metaphorically applied to the prominent, layered horizontal section that crowns a columnar system. Thus, the modern term elegantly preserves the ancient logic of a constructed, superimposed platform, abstracted from simple wooden planks to the elaborate stonework of classical design.
Analysis
Structure: en + table + ature
en (Latin): A prefix meaning "in, into, on".
table (Latin): From 'tabula', meaning a board, plank, or flat surface.
ature (Latin): A noun-forming suffix indicating a state, condition, or result.
Examples
The ornate carvings on the entablature depicted scenes from ancient mythology.
The architect carefully designed the proportions of the entablature to balance the massive columns below.
Restoration work focused on repairing the damaged cornice, the uppermost part of the entablature.