closed cornice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2/Technical)Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “closed cornice” mean?
An architectural moulding or projection at the top of a building's wall, where the soffit (underside) is formed by sloping boards that meet the wall at an acute angle, creating a closed triangular space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An architectural moulding or projection at the top of a building's wall, where the soffit (underside) is formed by sloping boards that meet the wall at an acute angle, creating a closed triangular space.
A specific type of roof eave or cornice construction, prevalent in classical and traditional architecture, where the detailing is concealed and finished, contrasting with open or boxed cornices.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both dialects within architectural circles. US usage may be slightly more common due to the prevalence of specific housing styles (e.g., Greek Revival) that feature it. UK might use 'close cornice' as a variant.
Connotations
Technical precision, historical architecture, traditional craftsmanship.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language. Used almost exclusively by architects, builders, preservationists, and historians.
Grammar
How to Use “closed cornice” in a Sentence
The [building] has a closed cornice.The architect specified a closed cornice for the [eaves].A closed cornice was used to [achieve a certain effect].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “closed cornice” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The closed-cornice design was favoured for its clean lines.
American English
- The historic district is known for its closed-cornice Greek Revival homes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in architectural history papers to describe specific eave treatments in classical and revivalist buildings.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term in architectural drawings, construction specifications, and heritage building conservation reports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “closed cornice”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “closed cornice”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “closed cornice”
- Using 'closed cornice' to refer to any simple eave or gutter system.
- Confusing it with 'crown moulding', which is an interior feature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A box cornice has a horizontal soffit and vertical fascia, creating a 'box'. A closed cornice has a soffit that slopes down from the wall at an angle, meeting the rafter line.
On classical-style buildings such as Greek Revival, Georgian, or Federal-style houses and public buildings, where a refined, finished eave detail is desired.
Only if you are studying architecture, construction, or historic preservation at a very advanced level. It is not a general vocabulary item.
From below, you see a smooth, sloping surface (the soffit) connecting the wall to the outer edge of the roof, with no visible rafters or open spaces.
An architectural moulding or projection at the top of a building's wall, where the soffit (underside) is formed by sloping boards that meet the wall at an acute angle, creating a closed triangular space.
Closed cornice is usually formal / technical in register.
Closed cornice: in British English it is pronounced /kləʊzd ˈkɔː.nɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kloʊzd ˈkɔːr.nɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cornice as the 'crown' of a building. A CLOSED cornice is like a crown with its hat on – the space underneath is sealed shut, not open.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES ARE CLOTHING (a closed cornice is a finished hem or tailored edge).
Practice
Quiz
A 'closed cornice' is primarily a term from which field?