Glossary of Medieval Art and
Architecture
column:
A cylindrical support, usually structural but often decorative.
Parts of a column:
abacus or impost block,
capital,
shaft,
column base.
Compare with
pilaster,
pier.
See also applied or engaged column,
arcade,
colonnade.
Click here
for pronounciation.
Examples of columns
![](/~medart/logo/tinyglossary.gif)
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Created by Jane Vadnal 05/97