entasis
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en·ta·sis
(ĕn′tə-sĭs)n. pl. en·ta·ses (-sēz′)
A slight convexity or swelling, as in the shaft of a column, conventionally employed especially in classical architecture.
[Latin, from Greek, tension, from enteinein, to stretch tight : en-, intensive pref.; see en-2 + teinein, to stretch; see ten- in Indo-European roots.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
entasis
(ˈɛntəsɪs)n, pl -ses (-siːz)
1. (Architecture) a slightly convex curve given to the shaft of a column, pier, or similar structure, to correct the illusion of concavity produced by a straight shaft
2. (Physiology) physiol Also called: entasia an involuntary or spasmodic muscular contraction
[C18: from Greek, from enteinein to stretch tight, from teinein to stretch]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
en•ta•sis
(ˈɛn tə sɪs)n.
a slight convexity given to a column or tower to correct the optical illusion of concavity produced by straight sides.
[1745–55; < Greek, =enta- (variant s. of enteínein to stretch tight =en- en-2 + teínein to stretch) + -sis -sis]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
entasis
the slight convexity or outward curve given to a tower or other tall, narrow structure.
See also: Architecture-Ologies & -Isms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| Noun | 1. |  entasis - a slight convexity in the shaft of a column; compensates for the illusion of concavity that viewers experience when the sides are perfectly straightpillar, column - (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure convex shape, convexity - a shape that curves or bulges outward |
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