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Dictionary Language resources

cornice

Syllabification: (cor·nice)

Pronunciation: /ˈkôrnis/

Translate cornice | into Italian

Definition of cornice

noun

1an ornamental molding around the wall of a room just below the ceiling.
a horizontal molded projection crowning a building or structure, especially the uppermost member of the entablature of an order, surmounting the frieze.

2an overhanging mass of hardened snow at the edge of a mountain precipice.

Derivatives

corniced
cornicing

Origin:

mid 16th century: from French corniche, from Italian cornice, perhaps from Latin cornix 'crow' (compare with corbel), but influenced by Greek korōnis 'copestone'