Corinthian Order

Corinthian Order, the latest developed and the most ornamental of the three orders of Greek architecture. The column (q.v.) is about ten diameters in height, and is fluted. The capital is over a diameter of the column in height, has two rows of richly-carved leaves of acanthus, olive, or other plant, from above which roll out volutes, surmounted by leaves, and crowned by a moulding, called the abacus. The base is richly moulded. The Corinthian order was largely introduced in the Renaissance architecture, both in ecclesiastical and civil buildings. SEE ARCHITECTURE.