an ovolo molding, especially one having an outline with several radii or one carved with an egg-and-dart pattern.
the prominent circular molding supporting the abacus of a Doric or Tuscan capital.
Also called cymatium. the circular molding, usually carved with an egg-and-dart pattern, forming part of an Ionic capital between the volutes and under the balteus.
Origin
1325-75;Middle English < Latin < Greekechînos hedgehog, sea urchin
British Dictionary definitions for echinus
echinus
/ɪˈkaɪnəs/
noun (pl) -ni (-naɪ)
1.
(architect) an ovolo moulding between the shaft and the abacus of a Doric column
2.
any of the sea urchins of the genus Echinus, such as E. esculentus (edible sea urchin) of the Mediterranean