volute etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: voluta
  • Greek: ἕλιξ (helix), meaning "coil, spiral"

Meaning and Origin

The term "volute" refers to a spiral or coiled decorative element in architecture, especially in Ionic and Corinthian columns. It originated from the Greek word "helix," which means "coil" or "spiral."

Use in Architecture

Volutes are typically found in the capitals of Ionic and Corinthian columns, where they form the scrolling shape that distinguishes these orders. They can also be found in other decorative elements, such as pediments, friezes, and doorways.

Symbolic Interpretation

In ancient Greece, volutes were often associated with the ram's horn, a symbol of power and fertility. They also represented the natural world, particularly the growth and unfurling of plants and animals.

volute relate terms

  • whelk

    Etymology Middle English whelke from Old English hwylca Proto Germanic hwalkijǭ

  • volute

    Etymology Latin voluta Greek ἕλιξ helix meaning coil spiral Meaning and O

  • archivolt

    Etymology French archivolte Latin archivolutus past participle of archivolvere to r

  • circumvolve

    Etymology Latin circumvolvere circum around volvere to roll Proto Indo

  • convoluted

    Etymology Convoluted derives from the Latin word convolvere meaning to roll up or

  • convolution

    Etymology Latin convolutio rolling up twisting together Derived from the verb

  • devolve

    Etymology Latin devoluere meaning to roll down or to transfer Meaning To t

  • elytra

    Etymology Latin elytrum sheath or wing case Meaning The hardened forewings

  • evolution

    Etymology of Evolution The word evolution comes from the Latin word evolvere which

  • evolve

    Etymology Middle English evoluen from Latin evolvere to unroll unfold Latin evolve

  • Helicon

    Etymology Greek helikōn spiral Proto Indo European kʷel to turn Meaning

  • helicopter

    Etymology The word helicopter is derived from the Greek words helix ἕλιξ mea

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • helminth

    Etymology Helminth is derived from the Greek word helmins meaning intestinal worm

  • lorimer

    Etymology The name Lorimer comes from the Middle English surname Lori m er which origi

  • ileus

    Etymology The word ileus is derived from the Greek word eileós meaning twisting c

  • involve

    Etymology The study of the origin and history of words Meaning The intended or implied

  • revolt

    Etymology The word revolt comes from the Latin word revolvere which means to roll b

  • revolution

    Etymology Latin revolutio a rolling back return revolution re back again

  • revolve

    Etymology From Middle English revolve from Old French revolver from Latin revolvō

  • valve

    Etymology Middle English valve from Old French valve from Latin valva meaning le

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • vault

    Etymology Middle English vaute from Old French veute vault cellar cave from La

  • volte face

    Etymology The phrase volte face is derived from the French expression volter face wh

  • voluble

    Etymology The word voluble comes from the Latin verb volvere meaning to roll or tur

  • volume

    Etymology The word volume is derived from the Latin word volumen meaning a roll or

  • voluminous

    Etymology The word voluminous comes from the Latin word volumen which means scroll

  • volute

    Etymology Latin voluta Greek ἕλιξ helix meaning coil spiral Meaning and O

  • volvox

    Etymology Volvox is derived from volvere to roll Meaning Volvox is a genus of mi

  • volvulus

    Etymology Volvulus is derived from the Latin word volvere meaning to roll to t

  • wale

    Etymology The word wale has multiple etymological origins Old English wæle Mean

  • walk

    Etymology The word walk derives from the Proto Germanic word walkaną meaning to roll

  • wallet

    Etymology The word wallet originates from the Old English word walett which in turn

  • wallow

    Etymology The word wallow has two distinct etymologies one for its main meaning and o

  • waltz

    Etymology Middle French valce German walzen to roll Old High German walzan Meani

  • well

    Etymology The word well comes from the Old English word wiella which is derived from

  • welter

    Etymology The word welter derives from the Middle English term wultren which means

  • whelk

    Etymology Middle English whelke from Old English hwylca Proto Germanic hwalkijǭ

  • willow

    Etymology The English word willow originates from an Old English word welige or wil

  • spiral

    Etymology The word spiral comes from the Greek word σπείρα speira meaning c

  • helix

    Etymology The word helix comes from the Greek word ἕλιξ helix which means s

  • spiral

    Etymology The word spiral comes from the Greek word σπείρα speira meaning c

  • khan

    Etymology The name Khan is derived from the Mongolian and Turkic word Khagan which m

  • construction

    Etymology The word construction derives from the Latin word construere which means

  • ornament

  • structure

    Structure Etymology Latin structura meaning a building construction or arrangeme

  • coordinate

    Etymology Latin coordinare meaning to arrange to order to put in order From the pr

  • decoration

    Etymology Latin decoratio From decorare meaning to decorate adorn From the Pro

  • innovation

    Etymology The word innovation originates from the Latin word innovatus which means