Dentils

/ˈdɛntəlz/ noun

Definition

Plural of dentil; multiple small rectangular decorative blocks arranged in rows, especially beneath a cornice.

Etymology

Plural form of 'dentil,' derived from Italian 'dentello' and ultimately Latin 'dens' (tooth). The plural maintains the same root meaning while referring to multiple individual decorative blocks.

Kelly Says

Walk around historic cities and count the dentils under building eaves—they're like architectural fingerprints that can help you date buildings, and noticing them transforms how you see classical and neoclassical structures forever.

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