corinthian column

A Corinthian column is an ancient Greek column type with a highly ornate capital depicting acanthus leaves. It was the third of the three major Greek orders to evolve, after Doric and Ionic.

Acanthus-leaf ornament characterizes the capital. It distinguishes the column from the simple Doric capital and the predominantly scrolled Ionic capital.

The term describes the column's classical form rather than the date of the building carrying it. Later buildings can incorporate Corinthian columns as ornamental features.