doric columns

The Greek Doric column comprises a baseless shaft (normally cut with flutes separated by arrises, but occasionally unfluted), rising directly from the sylobate ¹, diminishing in diameter from bottom to top in a delicate outward curve called entasis ² , terminating in the trachelion (part of the shaft between the horizontal grooves circumscribing the shaft and the annulets.

1. Any continuous base, plinth or pedestal on which a row of columns is set.

2. In Classical architecture, shafts of columns have a greater diameter at the bottom than at the top; the diminution does not result in slightly battered straight inclining slides, but a subtly convex curved swelling called entasis.