How Do You Spell CARYATIDES?

Pronunciation: [kˈɑːɹɪˌata͡ɪdz] (IPA)

Caryatides is a plural form of a caryatid, which is a sculpted female figure that serves as a support element in architecture. The word is pronounced /ˌkærɪˈætɪdiːz/ and spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" because it comes from the Greek word καρυάτις (karyatis), which is spelled with a kappa (κ) in the original language. The ending "-ides" is a Greek plural suffix, which means "descendants of" or "belonging to," and is often used in English to denote a group of things or people.

CARYATIDES Meaning and Definition

1. Caryatides refer to sculptural elements that depict female figures having the form of columns or pillars, typically used in ancient Greek and Roman architecture. Derived from the Greek word "karyatides," meaning "maidens of Karyai," caryatides were believed to represent priestesses from Karyai, a small village situated in ancient Greece.

   These architectural supports are characterized by their distinctive appearance, resembling draped female figures standing upright and supporting entablatures or structures above them. Often positioned in a row, caryatides were found primarily in the form of porch columns or pillars, providing both functional and decorative support to the structure.

   Typically carved from stone or marble, caryatides were highly ornamental and exhibited intricate detailing. They usually featured flowing garments, with pleats and folds carefully sculpted to create a sense of movement and life in the figure. The stylized faces of the caryatides showcased serene expressions, reflecting the idealized beauty and grace associated with ancient Greek aesthetics.

   Caryatides came to prominence in the architecture of the classical period, where they were utilized prominently in structures such as the Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens. They played a significant role in both supporting the weight of the entablature and adding a striking visual element to the building's facade.

   Today, caryatides continue to inspire and captivate viewers with their architectural beauty and historical significance. They remain an enduring symbol of ancient craftsmanship and artistic excellence.

2. In arch., female figures used to support entablatures-so called from the women of Carya in Arcadia.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CARYATIDES

• xaryatides
• varyatides
• faryatides
• daryatides
• czryatides
• csryatides
• cwryatides
• cqryatides
• caeyatides
• cadyatides
• cafyatides
• catyatides
• ca5yatides
• ca4yatides
• cartatides
• cargatides
• carhatides
• caruatides
• car7atides
• cqaryatides

Etymology of CARYATIDES

The word "Caryatides" is derived from the Greek term "Karyatides", which translates to "maidens of Karyai". Karyai was a small town located in Laconia, a region in the southeastern part of ancient Greece. The term "Caryatides" was first used by the ancient Greek architect Vitruvius in the 1st century BCE to describe the sculptural columns in the Erechtheion, a temple on the Acropolis in Athens. These columns depicted female figures, known as Caryatides, taking the place of traditional columns. The sculptures were believed to represent women from Karyai who were forced into service as punishment for their city's rebellion against Athens. The style of using female figures instead of columns became popular and was later adopted in various architectural designs.