anticum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / Technical / SpecializedAcademic, Architectural History, Archaeology, Formal
Quick answer
What does “anticum” mean?
The front part or façade of a classical temple, especially the portico or porch.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The front part or façade of a classical temple, especially the portico or porch.
In classical architecture, the anticum specifically refers to the frontal section of a temple, typically consisting of columns supporting a pediment and forming an entrance porch. It is the architectural counterpart to the 'posticum' (the rear part).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; the term is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely academic/technical. Connotes scholarship in classical studies or architectural history.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency. More likely found in a textbook or archaeological report than in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “anticum” in a Sentence
the anticum of [TEMPLE_NAME][TEMPLE_NAME]'s anticuman anticum with [NUMBER] columnsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The research paper focused on the decorative program of the Temple of Venus Genetrix's anticum.
Technical
The reconstruction shows the anticum with six Corinthian columns in antis.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anticum”
- Using it as a general word for 'antique' or 'ancient'.
- Confusing it with 'attic' (a different architectural element).
- Using it in plural as 'anticums' (more commonly 'antica' in technical Latin plural, or simply 'anticums').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and specialized term used primarily in academic contexts related to classical architecture and archaeology.
Both refer to the front part of a temple. 'Anticum' is the Latin term, often used in Roman context. 'Pronaos' is the Greek term, more specific to the inner area of the porch in front of the temple's main chamber (cella). They are often used interchangeably, but 'pronaos' can be more specific.
It would be highly unusual and technically incorrect. The term is strictly reserved for describing features of classical (Greek and Roman) temple architecture.
The opposite architectural term is 'posticum', which refers to the corresponding rear part or porch of a classical temple.
The front part or façade of a classical temple, especially the portico or porch.
Anticum is usually academic, architectural history, archaeology, formal in register.
Anticum: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæntɪkəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænṭɪkəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine ANTIQUE items in a museum at the FRONT (anti- as in 'before' or 'front') of a building.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FRONT IS THE FACE (the anticum is the public 'face' of the temple, presenting its identity and grandeur).
Practice
Quiz
The term 'anticum' is most closely associated with which field?