Peripter is a term commonly used in architectural design, specifically in reference to a building with a single row of columns surrounding the perimeter of its exterior. The word is pronounced /pəˈrɪptər/ with the first "e" being almost silent, and the emphasis being placed on the "i" sound in the second syllable. The spelling can be broken down phonetically as per - ip - ter, with the "i" and "e" sounding almost identical. The word comes from the Greek language, where it also means "surrounded by columns."
Peripter is a noun that refers to a type of Greek temple characterized by a colonnade of columns surrounding all sides of the building. The term is derived from the Greek word "peripteros," which means "surrounded by a row of columns."
The peripter design is one of the most common and recognisable architectural styles of ancient Greek temples. It consists of a rectangular building with a portico supported by a row of columns on each side, creating a gallery or colonnade around the outer walls of the structure. The columns typically have a regular spacing and are evenly distributed, giving the temple an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious appearance.
The peripter design was favored by the ancient Greeks for its practical and symbolic purposes. The colonnade provided shelter and shade to the worshippers during religious rituals and ceremonies, while also serving as a visual representation of grandeur and magnificence. Additionally, the peripter format allowed for a clear separation between the sacred interior space and the external world.
The peripter design was widely used in various Greek architectural styles, including the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. It was especially popular during the classical period of Greek architecture in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. Despite its ancient origins, the peripter style continues to inspire and influence modern architectural designs, symbolizing the enduring legacy and elegance of Greek civilization.
A temple or edifice surrounded by a wing or aisle formed of columns exterior to the building.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word peripter has its etymology rooted in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek term peripteros, which means surrounded by columns. In Greek architecture, a peripteros is a type of temple or building that is surrounded by a single row of columns on all sides. The word is composed of two parts: peri- which means around or surrounding, and pteros which means wing or column.