cornice

CEFRC1

/ˈkɔːnɪs/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A decorative molding around the top of a wall or building.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    A decorative element applied at the topmost part of the wall of a room, as with a crown molding.

Examples

  • The ceiling was detailed with an immaculate cornice.

  • The ornate cornice adorned the top of the building.

At a glance

Sits at C1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
5
Synonyms
1

Also pronounced

  • /ˈkoɹnɪs/

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. A horizontal architectural element of a building, projecting forward from the main walls, originally used as a means of directing rainwater away from the building's walls.

  2. A decorative element at the topmost portion of certain pieces of furniture, as with a highboy.

  3. An overhanging edge of snow on a ridge or the crest of a mountain and along the sides of gullies.

More examples

In context

  • It is a large square structure, two and a half stories in height, with a hipped roof rising above a handsome cornice with prominent modillions and surmounted by a balustraded belvedere.

  • That ceiling was covered with square compartments,[...] It was supported by a gilded cornice, carved into a thousand curious shapes and emblems, among which the horned wolf, the crest of the Avonleigh family, was conspicuous.

  • And blood was on the roof, and great gouts of blood on the walls and on the cornice of my bed.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The old building's ornate blank was decorated with intricate carvings and leaves.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Middle French corniche or Italian cornice, possibly from either (1) Latin cornīx (“crow”) or (2) Latin coronis (“curved line, flourish in writing”), from Ancient Greek κορωνίς (korōnís). See also corniche.