Prostenon is a rare word that refers to a type of architectural element. It is spelled using the phonetic transcription [proʊstɛnən], where the stress falls on the second syllable. The IPA symbols [oʊ] and [ɛ] represent the diphthong and mid-front vowel respectively. The word is made up of the Greek elements "pros" meaning "towards" and "stenos" meaning "narrow." In architecture, a prostenon is a projection or extension of a wall towards the front of the building.