The flat slab forming the topmost member of a column capital, directly supporting the entablature above. In different architectural orders, it varies from a simple square block in Doric to an ornately molded element in Corinthian capitals.
From Latin 'abacus,' borrowed from Greek 'abax' meaning 'board' or 'tablet.' Originally referred to a counting board or table, the architectural term developed because the capital's top resembled a flat board or tablet placed on top of the column.
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