Definition

A flat panel or space between two vertical grooves on a Doric frieze, often decorated with carvings or reliefs.

Example

The ancient temple featured beautifully carved metopes that depicted scenes from mythology.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed the metope design on the old building downtown?

Yeah, it's pretty interesting how they used to decorate those spaces.

I love how each metope tells a story through its carvings.

Exactly! It really adds character to the architecture.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Metope → It is formed from "meta-" (meaning after or beyond) and "opē" (meaning opening or space). In classical architecture, a metope refers to the space between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze, thus representing an opening or space after the triglyphs.

Memory Tip

Think of 'after' ('meta-') and an 'opening' ('opē') to remember that a metope is the space that comes after the decorative elements in classical architecture.

Visually Confused Words