Definitions for volutevəˈlut

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word volute

Princeton's WordNet

  1. spiral, volute(noun)


  2. coil, spiral, volute, whorl, helix(adj)

    a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops

    "a coil of rope"

  3. coiling, helical, spiral, spiraling, volute, voluted, whorled, turbinate(adj)

    in the shape of a coil


  1. volute(Noun)

    The spiral curve on an Ionic capital.

  2. volute(Noun)

    The spirls or whorls on a gastropod's shell.

  3. volute(Noun)

    Any marine gastropod of the (super)family Volutidae.

  4. Origin: From and , from voluta, from the feminine of volūtus, perfect passive participle of volvō.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Volute(noun)


  2. Volute(noun)

    a spiral turn, as in certain shells

  3. Volute(noun)

    any voluta

  4. Origin: [F. volute (cf. It. voluta), L. voluta, from volvere, volutum, to roll. See Voluble.]


  1. Volute

    A volute is a spiral scroll-like ornament that forms the basis of the Ionic order, found in the capital of the Ionic column. It was later incorporated into Corinthian order and Composite column capitals. Four are normally to be found on an Ionic capital, eight on Composite capitals and smaller versions on the Corinthian capital. The word derives from the Latin voluta. It has been suggested that the ornament was inspired by the curve of a ram's horns, or perhaps was derived from the natural spiral of the ovule of a common species of clover native to Greece. Alternatively, it may simply be of geometrical origins. The ornament is used as an element of Renaissance and Baroque architecture and is a common decoration in furniture design, silver and ceramics. A method of drawing the complex geometry was devised by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius from classical buildings and structures.


Find a translation for the volute definition in other languages:

Select another language:

Discuss these volute definitions with the community:

Word of the Day


Please enter your email address:     


Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:


"volute." STANDS4 LLC, 2015. Web. 29 Jul 2015. <>.

Are we missing a good definition for volute? Don't keep it to yourself...

Nearby & related entries:

Alternative searches for volute:

Thanks for your vote! We truly appreciate your support.