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strict definition
ionic column
A classically styled column with scrolled flares at the 4 corners of the capital.
An Ionic column is an ancient Greek column type with scrolled flares at four corners of the capital. It was the second of the three major Greek orders to evolve, after Doric and before Corinthian.
The curled ornaments are called volutes. They provide the capital's scrolled profile, distinguishing it from a Doric capital's simpler rounded bulge and a Corinthian capital's acanthus-leaf ornament.
The name identifies a classical column form used as an architectural feature. A later building can use Ionic columns without being an ancient Greek structure.
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