ovolo

[oh-vuh-loh] /ˈoʊ vəˌloʊ/
noun, plural ovoli
[oh-vuh-lahy] /ˈoʊ vəˌlaɪ/ (Show IPA). Architecture
1.
a convex molding forming or approximating in section a quarter of a circle or ellipse.
Origin
1655-65; < Italian, variant (now obsolete) of uovolo, diminutive of uovo egg1 < Latin ōvum
Examples from the web for ovolo
  • The wood ovolo and cavetto cornice molding extends around the sides and apse of the building.
  • With few exceptions, the window frames are pegged and trimmed in original ovolo molding.
  • The door surrounds are finished with a series of echinus and ovolo moldings original to the structure.
  • The molded water table consists of a cavetto and ovolo.
British Dictionary definitions for ovolo

ovolo

/ˈəʊvəˌləʊ/
noun (pl) -li (-ˌlaɪ)
1.
(architect) a convex moulding having a cross section in the form of a quarter of a circle or ellipse Also called quarter round, thumb Compare congé (sense 3), echinus (sense 1)
Word Origin
C17: from Italian: a little egg, from ovo egg, from Latin ōvum