Dictionary

1cornice

noun cor·nice \ˈkr-nəs, -nish\

: the decorative top edge of a building or column

: a decorative strip of wood or some other material used at the top of the walls in a room

Full Definition of CORNICE

1
a :  the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition — see column illustration
b :  a top course that crowns a wall
2
:  a decorative band of metal or wood used to conceal curtain fixtures
3
:  an overhanging mass of windblown snow or ice usually on a ridge
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Illustration of CORNICE

Origin of CORNICE

Middle French, from Italian, frame, cornice, from Latin cornic-, cornix crow; akin to Greek korax raven — more at raven
First Known Use: 1563

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

2cornice

verb
cor·nicedcor·nic·ing

Definition of CORNICE

transitive verb
:  to furnish or crown with a cornice

First Known Use of CORNICE

1744

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth
CORNICE[2] Defined for Kids

cornice

noun cor·nice \ˈkr-nəs\

Definition of CORNICE for Kids

1
:  an ornamental piece that forms the top edge of the front of a building or pillar
2
:  an ornamental molding placed where the walls meet the ceiling of a room

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