pediment

ped·i·ment  (pd-mnt)

n.

1.

a. A wide, low-pitched gable surmounting the façade of a building in the Grecian style.

b. A triangular element, similar to or derivative of a Grecian pediment, used widely in architecture and decoration.

2. Geology A broad, gently sloping rock surface at the base of a steeper slope, often covered with alluvium, formed primarily by erosion.

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[Alteration (influenced by Latin ps, ped-, foot) of earlier perement, probably alteration of pyramid.]

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pedi·mental (-mntl) adj.

pedi·mented adj.

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pediment

Noun

a triangular part over a door, as used in classical architecture [obsolete periment, perhaps workman's corruption of pyramid]

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pediment  (pd-mnt)

A broad, gently sloping rock surface at the base of a steeper slope such as a mountain, often covered with alluvium. Pediments are formed through the exposure of bedrock by erosional processes, such as the flow of water. Pediments are usually found in arid regions where there is little vegetation to hold the overlying soil.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

pediment - a triangular gable between a horizontal entablature and a sloping roof gable, gable end, gable wall - the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof