Acroterion

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An acroterion or acroterium is an architectural ornament placed on a flat base called the acroter or plinth, and mounted at the apex of the pediment of a building in the Classical style. It may also be placed at the outer angles of the pediment; such acroteria are referred to as acroteria angularia. The acroterion may take a wide variety of forms, such as a statue, tripod, disc, urn, palmette or some other sculpted feature. Acroterion is found in both gothic and classical architecture. The word is etymologically derived from the Greek word ἀκρωτήριον, which means "summit"; it was Latinized by the Romans as acroterium.

[edit] See also

• Palmette
• Ornament
• Finial
• List of classical architecture terms

[edit] References

• Encyclopedia Britannica - Acroterion