echinus: Meaning and Definition of

e•chi•nus

1. any sea urchin of the genus Echinus.
1. an ovolo molding, esp. one having an outline with several radii or one carved with an egg-and-dart pattern. See illus. undermolding.
2. the prominent circular molding supporting the abacus of a Doric or Tuscan capital.
3. Also calledcymatium.the circular molding, usually carved with an egg-and-dart pattern, forming part of an Ionic capital between the volutes and under the balteus.