GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

peristyle

noun

/ˈpɛr əˌstaɪl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of peristyle

A colonnaded or columned courtyard or open space surrounded by a series of columns.
"The sunlight filtered through the columns of the peristyle, casting beautiful patterns on the stone floor."

Detailed meaning of peristyle

It typically forms an architectural feature found in ancient Greek and Roman buildings, particularly in temples, palaces, and public structures. A peristyle consists of a continuous row of columns supporting an entablature or roof, creating a covered walkway or colonnade that encircles an open area. The columns are evenly spaced and can be of various orders, such as Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian. The peristyle serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, providing shade, defining the boundaries of a space, and adding a sense of grandeur and symmetry to the overall architectural design. It also allows for natural light, air circulation, and visual connection between the enclosed space and the surrounding landscape. Peristyles are iconic elements of classical architecture, reflecting the mastery of ancient civilizations in blending structural functionality with artistic beauty.

Example sentences containing peristyle

1. The ancient temple featured a magnificent peristyle, with rows of graceful columns surrounding the sacred space.
2. The peristyle of the palace was a popular gathering place for the nobility to engage in conversations and leisurely walks.
3. Visitors marveled at the intricate carvings on the columns of the peristyle in the archaeological site.
4. The courtyard was adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, creating a stunning backdrop to the peristyle.
5. The museum's atrium was designed with a modern interpretation of a peristyle, featuring sleek columns and a glass roof.
6. The villa's courtyard boasted a charming peristyle, where the family enjoyed al fresco dining and relaxation.

History and etymology of peristyle

The noun 'peristyle' has its etymological origins in Greek and reflects the architectural elements of classical antiquity. It is derived from the Greek word 'peristylon,' which combines 'peri,' meaning 'around,' and 'stylos,' meaning 'column' or 'pillar.' 'Peristylon' originally referred to a colonnaded courtyard or open space that was surrounded by a series of columns, a characteristic feature of many ancient Greek and Roman buildings. As this term was adopted into Latin and subsequently into English, 'peristyle' continued to denote a structure or space with a surrounding colonnade, often used for aesthetic and functional purposes. The etymology of 'peristyle' highlights its historical connection to the classical architectural traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, where such courtyards and open spaces with columns played a significant role in the design and aesthetics of buildings.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun peristyle:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of peristyle

1. The peristyle of the ancient theater provided a covered walkway for the audience to enter and exit the seating area.
2. The garden design incorporated a small peristyle, offering a tranquil space for meditation and reflection.
3. The museum exhibit showcased a scale model of a Roman villa, complete with a detailed peristyle in the central courtyard.
4. The villa's peristyle was a favorite spot for the residents to gather for music performances and poetry readings.
5. The archaeological excavation revealed the remains of an elaborate peristyle, giving insights into the architectural prowess of the civilization.
6. The ancient temple featured a magnificent peristyle.
7. The peristyle provided a tranquil oasis in the bustling city.
8. We gathered in the grand peristyle for the ceremony.
9. The marble columns adorned the peristyle of the palace.
10. The symposium was held in the university's elegant peristyle.
11. The Roman villa's peristyle showcased exquisite architecture.
12. The courtyard's peristyle was a marvel of design.
13. She found solace in the garden's serene peristyle.
14. The museum's atrium had a stunning peristyle gallery.
15. The wedding reception took place in the garden's peristyle.
16. The historic mansion featured a beautifully preserved peristyle.
17. The philosopher lectured in the academy's central peristyle.
18. The villa's peristyle offered breathtaking views of the sea.
19. The art exhibition was hosted in the museum's peristyle.
20. The palace's peristyle was adorned with intricate carvings.
21. The archaeological site revealed an ancient peristyle.
22. The villa's peristyle was the focal point of the estate.
23. The music echoed through the cathedral's majestic peristyle.
24. The hotel's courtyard had a charming peristyle dining area.
25. The garden's peristyle was a place of contemplation and beauty.