Look up: entasis

1. 
   entasis
   a slightly convex profile used originally by the Greeks (in columns) to counteract the impression of concavity produced by parallel lines
   Found on http://www.lancashirechurches.co.uk/glos
   
   
2. 
   entasis
   The swelling in a column from the lower end to a certain point
   Found on http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/temetfutue/gl
   
   
3. 
   Entasis
   very slight convex curve put on columns and sometimes other structures such as spires to prevent the optical illusion of them appearing concave, ie, bending outwards.
   Found on http://www.trp.dundee.ac.uk/research/glo
   
   
4. 
   Entasis
   En'ta·sis noun [ New Latin , from Greek ... a stretching; from ...; ... in + ... to extend.] 1. (Architecture) A slight convex swelling of the shaft of a column. 2. (Medicine) Same as Entasia .
   Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/E/47
   
   
5. 
   entasis
   1. A slight convex swelling of the shaft of a column. ... 2. <medicine> Same as Entasia. ... Origin: NL, from Gr. A stretching; fr.; in + to extend. ... Source: Websters Dictionary ... (01 Mar 1998) ...
   Found on http://www.mondofacto.com/facts/dictiona
   
   
6. 
   entasis
   noun a slight convexity in the shaft of a column; compensates for the illusion of concavity that viewers experience when the sides are perfectly straight
   Found on http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?
   
   
7. 
   Entasis
   In architecture, `entasis` is the application of a convex curve to a surface for aesthetic purposes. Its best-known use is in certain orders of Classical columns that bulge slightly in the middle.
   Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entasis
   
   
8. 
   Entasis
   • (n.) Same as Entasia. • (n.) A slight convex swelling of the shaft of a column.
   Found on http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning
   
   
9. 
   entasis
   in architecture, the convex curve given to a column, spire, or similar upright member, in an attempt to correct the optical illusion of hollowness or ... [2 related articles]
   Found on http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/e/33
   
   
10. 
    entasis
    entasis (en'tusis) [Gr.,=stretching], the slight convex curvature of a classical column that diminishes in diameter as it rises. This device, as used by Greek builders, was of extreme subtlety, the freehand curvature being merely sufficient to guard the contours of the column from any appearance...
    Found on http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A081