caryatid

[kar-ee-at-id] /ˌkær iˈæt ɪd/
noun, plural caryatids, caryatides
[kar-ee-at-i-deez] /ˌkær iˈæt ɪˌdiz/ (Show IPA). Architecture
1.
a sculptured female figure used as a column.
Compare atlas (def 5).
Origin
1555-65; < Latin Caryātides (singular Caryātis) < Greek Karyā́tides columns shaped like women, literally, women of Karýai, Laconia
Related forms
caryatidal, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for caryatid

caryatid

/ˌkærɪˈætɪd/
noun (pl) -ids, -ides (-ɪˌdiːz)
1.
a column, used to support an entablature, in the form of a draped female figure Compare telamon
Derived Forms
caryatidal, caryatidean, caryatic, caryatidic (ˌkærɪəˈtɪdɪk) adjective
Word Origin
C16: from Latin Caryātides, from Greek Karuatides priestesses of Artemis at Karuai (Caryae), village in Laconia
Word Origin and History for caryatid
n.

"carved female figure used as a column," 1560s, from Middle French cariatide, from Latin caryatides, from Greek Karyatides (singular Karyatis) "priestesses of Artemis at Caryae" (Greek Karyai), a town in Laconia where dance festivals were held in Artemis' temple.