cyma

[sahy-muh] /ˈsaɪ mə/
noun, plural cymae
[sahy-mee] /ˈsaɪ mi/ (Show IPA), cymas.
1.
Architecture. either of two moldings having a partly convex and partly concave curve for an outline: used especially in classical architecture.
Compare cyma recta, cyma reversa.
2.
Botany. a cyme.
Origin
1555-65; < Neo-Latin < Greek kŷma something swollen, a wave, wavy molding, sprout, equivalent to ký(ein) to be pregnant + -ma noun suffix
Examples from the web for cyma
  • The cyma hydroxylase reductase gene was isolated, sequenced and the protein primary structure deduced.
  • To the left is a small beaded matchboard storage cabinet with a cyma cornice.
  • The east and west facades have triangular pediment gables with simple trim of cyma recta.
British Dictionary definitions for cyma

cyma

/ˈsaɪmə/
noun (pl) -mae (-miː) -mas
1.
either of two mouldings having a double curve, part concave and part convex. Cyma recta has the convex part nearer the wall and cyma reversa has the concave part nearer the wall
2.
(botany) a rare variant of cyme
Word Origin
C16: from New Latin, from Greek kuma something swollen, from kuein to be pregnant