cyma

cyma (SAI-muh) - n., a molding for a cornice with a partly convex and partly concave curve in an outline, used especially in classical architecture.



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Classified as cyma recta or cyma reversa depending on whether the concave part is above or below the convex part -- the above is recta. Possible plurals include cymas, cymae, and cymata -- we have trouble with the endings of Greek words (kûma = swell/wave) especially when imported via Latin.

---L.