echinus

1. A sea urchin of the genus Echinus.
2. Architecture. A convex molding just below the abacus of a Doric capital.

[Latin echīnus, sea urchin, from Greek ekhīnos, sea urchin, hedgehog, from ekhis, adder, viper.]

The convex projecting molding of eccentric curve supporting the abacus of the Doric capital. Hence the corresponding feature in capitals of other orders, which often had egg-and-dart ornamentation; any molding of similar profile or decoration. Also see ovolo, bowtell.

echinus: E

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: ovolo molding between the shaft and the abacus of a Doric column