metope

English

Metopes of Temple C from Selinunte

Alternative forms

• metopa (obsolete)

Etymology

From Latin metopa and its source, Koine Greek μετόπη (metópē), from μετά (metá, “between”) +‎ ὀπή (opḗ, “hole”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmɛtəʊp/, /ˈmɛtəpi/

Noun

metope (plural metopes)

1. (architecture) The architectural element between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze. [from 16th c.]
   • 1996, Russell Hoban, Fremder, Bloomsbury, published 2003, page 117:

     There's a second plate of that metope that shows the full figures of both Perseus and Medusa and includes the winged horse Pegasus that was born of Medusa's blood.

   • 2002, Mary Beard, The Parthenon, Profile Books, published 2010, page 128:

     Architects working on the recent restoration programme have found clear evidence that in its first design the building featured just a row of metope panels over the east and west entrances, where the frieze now runs […] .

Translations

architectural element between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze

• German: Metope (de) f

Anagrams

• poemet

Italian

Noun

metope f

1. plural of metopa