plinth

[plinth] /plɪnθ/
noun, Architecture
1.
a slablike member beneath the base of a column or pier.
2.
a square base or a lower block, as of a pedestal.
3.
Also called plinth course. a projecting course of stones at the base of a wall; earth table.
4.
(in joinery) a flat member at the bottom of an architrave, dado, baseboard, or the like.
Origin
1555-65; earlier plinthus < Latin < Greek plínthos plinth, squared stone, brick, tile
Related forms
plinthless, adjective
plinthlike, adjective
Examples from the web for plinth
  • Together they join hands and hoist him up on a high cold plinth.
  • Any additional reinforcement in the plinth, if required, shall be provided.
  • plinth and crash wall details, if required, should be shown here.
  • The base consists of a round plinth, square cap die and base in the form of a seat.
  • plinth pads are concrete support pads or pedestals that are fastened directly to the concrete invert.
  • The hotel block rests on a plinth comprised of the ground and main levels.
  • The shingle-clad bay has rounded corners, a flat roof and a tapered plinth extending almost to the ground.
  • At present, handrails run down the stairs of the plinth from the doorways.
British Dictionary definitions for plinth

plinth

/plɪnθ/
noun
1.
Also called socle. the rectangular slab or block that forms the lowest part of the base of a column, statue, pedestal, or pier
2.
Also called plinth course. the lowest part of the wall of a building that appears above ground level, esp one that is formed of a course of stone or brick
3.
a flat block on either side of a doorframe, where the architrave meets the skirting
4.
a flat base on which a structure or piece of equipment is placed
Word Origin
C17: from Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos brick, shaped stone
Word Origin and History for plinth
n.

1610s, from French plinthe (16c.) and directly from Latin plinthus, from Greek plinthos "brick, squared stone," cognate with Old English flint (see flint).