| volute | 1. A spiral scroll which forms the chief feature of the Ionic capital, and which, on a much smaller scale, is a feature in the Corinthian and Composite capitals. 2. <zoology> A spiral turn, as in certain shells. 3. <zoology> Any voluta. Volute spiring, a spring formed of a spiral scroll of plate, rod, or wire, extended or extensible in the direction of the axis of the coil, in which direction its elastic force is exerted and employed. Origin: F. Volute (cf. It. Voluta), L. Voluta, from volvere, volutum, to roll. See Voluble. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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