caryatid
Caryatid (noun) means a caryatid is a sculpted figure of a woman used as an architectural support in place of a column. Example: “The temple's porch was held up by a row of caryatids.”
How to use caryatid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA statue of a woman used instead of a pillar to hold up part of a building.
Caryatid is a specialist term from architecture and art history.
Caryatid always refers to a female figure; the male equivalent is called a telamon or atlas.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The temple's porch was held up by a row of _____.
Etymology
Caryatid entered English by way of Middle French cariatide, ultimately from Latin caryatides and Ancient Greek. The Greek term named women depicted as pillar-like supports, and is connected to Caryae, a town in Laconia linked with a festival honouring Artemis.
