acroterium

• acroterion, acroter

From Latin acrōtērium, from Ancient Greek ἀκρωτήριον (akrōtḗrion); related to ἄκρος (ákros, “highest, at the extremity”).

• IPA^(key): /ˌækɹəˈtɪəɹi.əm/

acroterium (plural acroteria)

An acroterium at the peak of a gable.

1. (architecture) One of the small pedestals, for statues or other ornaments, placed on the apex and at the basal angles of a pediment, or upon the gables in Gothic architecture.
2. One of the pedestals, for vases or statues, forming a part roof balustrade.