Plinthos
/ˈplɪn.θɒs/noun
A flat, usually square base or platform supporting a column, statue, or structure.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, πλαίνθος/plinthos referred to a brick or tile, and the architectural sense of a supporting base grew from that humble building block rather than from any mystical term.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πλίνθος (plínthos)
“A brick or tile, especially a baked clay brick”
Late Greek / Hellenistic
Greek
πλίνθος
“Also used for a square block or base in building contexts”
Latin
Latin
plinthus
“A plinth or square base, borrowed from Greek”
Middle French
French
plinthe
“A base or pedestal”
16th Century
English
plinth
“A square base supporting a column, statue, or structure”
Modern English
English
plinth
“The base or platform beneath a column, statue, or similar object”