PERIPTERY Meaning and
Definition
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Periptery is a term used in architecture to describe a specific style or design of a Greek temple. Derived from the Greek word "peri," meaning "around," and "pteron," meaning "wing," periptery refers to a temple that is surrounded by a single row of columns on all sides.
This architectural style was commonly used from the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century CE in ancient Greece and its colonies. The peripteral temple typically consists of a rectangular building with a portico or entrance porch at the front and rear, along with a row of columns encircling the exterior walls. The number of columns can vary in different examples, with the most common being six columns on the front and back, and twelve on the sides.
The periptery design was influenced by ancient Greek beliefs and practices. Temples were considered sacred spaces, intended to house and honor the deity worshipped in that specific temple. The surrounding columns created an open and inviting atmosphere for worshippers to approach and admire the temple, while also serving a functional purpose of supporting the roof and providing shade.
Today, peripteral temples remain important architectural examples of ancient Greek culture and have influenced numerous later styles and designs. Their symmetrical and structured appearance represents the harmony and balance valued in ancient Greek aesthetics. The peripteral style can also be seen in other forms of Greek architecture, such as stoa buildings and public spaces.
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A temple or edifice surrounded by a wing or aisle formed of columns exterior to the building.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PERIPTERY
- peripery
- oeriptery
- leriptery
- -eriptery
- 0eriptery
- pwriptery
- psriptery
- pdriptery
- prriptery
- p4riptery
- p3riptery
- peeiptery
- pediptery
- pefiptery
- petiptery
- pe5iptery
- pe4iptery
- peruptery
- perjptery
- perkptery
Etymology of PERIPTERY
The word "periptery" is derived from the Greek words "peri", meaning "around", and "pteros", meaning "wing". It is a term used in architecture to describe a classical temple surrounded by a single row of columns on all sides. The term was first used in English in the early 18th century and has its roots in ancient Greek temple design.
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