| krater | an ancient Greek wide-mouthed bowl for mixing wine and water |
| meander | key pattern around the rim of a krater |
| cella | the chamber at the center of an ancient temple |
| naos | in a classical temple, this room is where the cult statue usually stood |
| entasis | the convex profile in the shaft of a column |
| acropolis | high city |
| kore | statue of a goddess or maiden |
| amphora | two-handled storage jar |
| contrapposto | counterbalance |
| pediment | the triangular space (gable) at the end of a building, formed by the ends of the sloping roof above the colonnade |
| triglyph | a triple projecting, grooved member of a Doric frieze that alternates with metopes |
| gigantomachy | battle of gods and giants |
| peristyle | a colonnade all around the cella and its porch(es) |
| stereobate | the first step leading up to a building, such as the Parthenon |
| frieze | the part of an entablature between the architrave and cornice; any scupltured or painted band in a building |
| Nike | athena's attendant who is the personification of victory |
| parapet | a low, protective wall along the edge of a balcony or roof |
| humanism | emphasis on education and on expanding knowledge, exploration of individuals potential and a desire to excel, and a commitment to civic responsibilities and moral duty |
| portico | roofed colonnade |
| caryatid | a female figure that functions as a supporting column |
| kouros | statue of male youth |
| peplos | simple, long, woolen, belted garment |
| tholos | temple with a circular plan |
| Hellenistic | term given to the culture that developed after the death of Alex the Great in 323 BCE and lasted almost 3 centuries until the Roman conquest of Egypt in 31 BCE |
| entablature | the part of a building above the columns and below the roof |
| metope | panel between the triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often sculpted in relief |
| volute | spiral, scroll-like form characteristic of the Ionic order |
| peripteral | single row of columns on all sides |
| centaur | mythological beast that was part man, part horse |