An´ta, pl. antæ (Lat.). Terminations similar to pilasters upon the ends of the lateral walls of the cella, in pronaos and epinaos. Though a corresponding member, the anta is in form but little allied to the column, because its individual function is so different.
An´tefix (from Lat. ante, before, and fixus, fixed). An upright ornament like a small shield, placed above the corona when the gutter is omitted, to hide the end of the jointing tile ridge.
Anthe´mion (Gr. patterned with flowers, from ἀνθέω, to blossom). The so-called palmetto or honeysuckle ornament, employed on acroteria and antefixes, and also as a continuous decoration on bands, gutters, etc., and the necking of some Ionic capitals.
In an´tis (Lat.). The simplest variety of temple plan, so called by Vitruvius because the pronaos or portico is formed by the projection of the side walls, terminated by antæ, between which stand columns.
Apoph´yge (Gr. escape; from ἀπό, from, and φεύγω, to flee. In its technical employment, of the same significance as the Fr. congé and Ger. Ablauf). The hollow, or scotia, beneath the Doric echinos, the juncture between shaft and capital, occurring in archaic examples of the style, and relinquished with its advance.
Ar´ris (Lat. arista, beard of an ear of grain, bone of a fish. Old Fr. areste). The sharp edge formed by two surfaces meeting at an exterior angle. Particularly the ridge between the hollows of Doric channellings.
As´tragal (Gr. ἀστράγαλος, knuckle-bone, one of the vertebræ of the neck, the bone of the ankle-joint). A roundlet moulding carved into the form of beads; employed on the Ionic capital, and to separate the projecting faces of the epistyle and coffering beams.
Atlas, pl. Atlan´tes (Gr. the fabled upholder of the heavens). Figures of male human beings, generally of colossal size, carved either in the full or half round, and employed in the place of columns or pilasters to support an entablature.
A´trium (Lat.; from Gr. αἰθρία, open sky?). The chief space of the Roman dwelling-house; an inner court usually surrounded by columns.
At´tica (from Gr. ἀττικός, pertaining to Attica). The upright portion of a building above the main cornice.