Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

modillion

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 0.00 in modern English

Syllables: mod-il-lion
IPA

12

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

3

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A decoratively carved supporting block atop a column, often underneath a cornice, and usually smaller and more ornamental in function than a corbel.

Example Sentences

"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."
"The familiar classic console or modillion is an example: although in general contour it is well adapted to its function as a supporting bracket, embedded in, and projecting from a wall, yet the scroll-like ornament with which its sides are embellished gives it the appearance of not entering the wall at all, but of being stuck against it in some miraculous manner."

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian modiglione. Doublet of moellon.

Origin

Source language: Italian

Word Breakdown

Root: modiglione

Inflected Forms

modillions (plural)

Derived Forms

intermodillion modillioned

Frequently Paired Words

moellon mutule corbel

Questions

What does modillion mean?: A decoratively carved supporting block atop a column, often underneath a cornice, and usually smaller and more ornamental in function than a corbel.
Where does modillion come from?: It is traced to Italian.

How to pronounce modillion

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