Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
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Oculus
Plural:
oculi
Pronunciations: AHK you lis; AHK you lie
Pantheon |
Window that has an oval or circular shape resembling an eye, without tracery or muntins.
A round oculus is also called a bulls-eye window (oeill-de-boeuf in French)
The round opening at the top of some domes, or cupolas, e.g., Pantheon in Rome
The center of volutes or spiral scrolls in Ionic columns
Etymology: Latin, "eye"
Examples:
- Illustration above: Pantheon, Rome, Italy
- Forum Thermal Baths, Pompeii, Italy
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