caryatid
pronunciation
How to pronounce caryatid in British English:
UK [ˌkæriˈætɪd]
How to pronounce caryatid in American English:
US [ˌkærɪ'ætɪd]
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- Noun:
- a supporting column carved in the shape of a person
Word Origin
- caryatid (n.)
- "carved female figure used as a column," 1560s, from Middle French cariatide, from Latin caryatides, from Greek Karyatides (singular Karyatis) "priestesses of Artemis at Caryae" (Greek Karyai), a town in Laconia where dance festivals were held in Artemis' temple. Male figures in a like situation are Atlantes, plural of Atlas.