Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Volute

Vo-lute′

,
Noun.
[F.
volute
(cf. It.
voluta
), L.
voluta
, from
volvere
,
volutum
, to roll. See
Voluble
.]
1.
(Arch.)
A spiral scroll which forms the chief feature of the Ionic capital, and which, on a much smaller scale, is a feature in the Corinthian and Composite capitals. See Illust. of
Capital
, also
Helix
, and
Stale
.
2.
(Zool.)
A spiral turn, as in certain shells.
3.
(Zool.)
Any voluta.
Volute spiring
,
a spring formed of a spiral scroll of plate, rod, or wire, extended or extensible in the direction of the axis of the coil, in which direction its elastic force is exerted and employed.

Webster 1828 Edition

Volute

VOLU'TE

,
Noun.
[L. volutus, volvo.]
1.
In architecture, a kind of spiral scroll, used in the Ionic and composite capitals, of which it is a principal ornament. The number of volutes in the Ionic order, is four; in the Composite, eight. There are also eight angular volutes in the Corinthian capital, accompanied with eight smaller ones, called helices.
2.
In natural history, a genus of shells.

Definition 2024

volute

volute

English

Noun

volute ‎(plural volutes)

  1. (architecture) The spiral curve on an Ionic capital.
  2. (zoology) The spirals or whorls on a gastropod's shell.
  3. (zoology) Any marine gastropod of the family Volutidae.
    • 2002, Don Philpott, Florida: Gulf Coast, page 16:
      Common shells include frog-shells, distorsios, volutes, tulips, murex, cones, olives, marginellas, cowries, augers and the Florida horse conch, the state's official shell, which can grow up to 24in (6 1 cm) long.
  1. (engineering) The casing in a centrifugal pump, whose shape is somewhat similar to architectural volutes.
  2. (art) A spiral or scroll form.
  3. (music) A scroll-shaped carving at the tuning head of a stringed musical instrument, similar to architectural volutes.

Derived terms

  • volutoid

Translations

Adjective

volute ‎(not comparable)

  1. (engineering) Of a spring: having a spiral curve on its tail.

Italian

Participle

volute

  1. feminine plural of the past participle of volere

Latin

Participle

volūte

  1. vocative masculine singular of volūtus

Etymology

From French volute, from Italian voluta, from Latin volūta, from the feminine of volūtus, perfect passive participle of volvō.

Similar Results