modanatura
feminine
In Italian, the word for molding is modanatura. Wiktionary also lists cimasa.
Meaning: architecture: narrow decorative surface (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| modanatura | feminine | |
| cimasa | /t͡ʃiˈma.za/ | feminine |
In the context of architecture and interior design, these terms refer to decorative surface trims.
Which one should you use?
modanatura is a general term for any type of molding, whereas cimasa refers specifically to the crowning molding or the top part of a structure, such as a cornice or a frame. Additionally, the term fregio can be used to describe specific types of molding, though it primarily refers to a frieze.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of modanatura is modanature, and the plural form of cimasa is cimase.
Did you know?
- The Greek root of cimasa, kumátion, literally means 'small wave', which describes the undulating, wavy patterns often found in classical architectural moldings.
- In Italian art history, a cimasa is not just a building element but often refers to the decorative top rail of a painting's frame.
- Italian restorers often distinguish between modanature made of wood and those made of stucco, a traditional lime and gypsum plaster.
Examples in context
- Nella sala dei ricevimenti di quel palazzo storico, le modanature sul soffitto sono intricate e dettagliate.In the reception room of that historic building, the moldings on the ceiling are intricate and detailed.
- Il cornicione di questa stanza dona un tocco di eleganza.The crown molding in this room adds a touch of elegance.
- La modanatura è molto sottile.The molding is very thin.
- Devi pulire ogni modanatura del soffitto.You must clean every ceiling molding.
- Questa modanatura è in stile classico.This molding is in a classic style.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are renovating a room in their house.
- MartinaLorenzo, guarda questa modanatura antica.Lorenzo, look at this antique molding.
- LorenzoÈ bellissima, ma è un po' rovinata.It's beautiful, but it's a bit damaged.
- MartinaPossiamo restaurare la modanatura con cura.We can restore the molding with care.
- LorenzoSì, farebbe un'ottima figura.Yes, it would look great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “molding” translations and entries modanatura, cimasa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cimasa, modanatura, CC BY-SA 4.0.
