Pedestal
/ˈped.ɪ.stəl/noun
A supporting base or structure for a statue, column, or other object.
Did you know?Pedestal entered English through Renaissance Italian, when classical architecture and its symbolic language of raising figures above ordinary human height were being revived.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ped-
“Foot; the root associated with walking and support”
Ancient Greek
Greek
pous, podos
“Foot; the source of many compounds involving feet”
Classical Latin
Latin
pes, pedis
“Foot”
Medieval Latin / Italian
Italian
piede + stallo
“Foot + stand or supporting place”
16th Century
French
piédestal
“A base or supporting stand for a statue or column”
16th Century
English
pedestal
“A supporting base, especially for a statue or architectural element”
Explore more surprising origins