volute

 
Pronunciation: /vəˈl(j)uːt/

noun

  • 1 Architecture a spiral scroll characteristic of Ionic capitals and also used in Corinthian and composite capitals.
  • 2a deep-water marine mollusc with a thick colourful spiral shell which is prized by collectors.
    • Family Volutidae, class Gastropoda: Voluta and other genera

adjective

  • forming a spiral curve or curves: a volute capital

Derivatives

voluted

adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century: from French, or from Latin voluta, feminine past participle of volvere 'to roll'