architrave

noun

ar·​chi·​trave ˈär-kə-ˌtrāv 

1

: the lowest division of an entablature resting in classical architecture immediately on the capital of the column see column illustration

2

: the molding around a rectangular opening (such as a door)

Examples of architrave in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Drench a Room in Color Paint the whole room lavender, walls, doors, architraves, fireplaces, and all; the effect is brilliantly bold and ultra-contemporary, as evidenced by Sawyers’ Dupont Circle project. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2023

The entire government believes that school is a fundamental architrave of our society. —Irene Dominioni, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021

The 59-foot-high structure, topped with an architrave, is made from marble from Mount Pentelicus, also used for the Parthenon. —History Magazine, 3 Dec. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from Old Italian, from archi- + trave beam, from Latin trab-, trabs — more at thorp

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1