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n. 1. a. A wide, low-pitched gable surmounting the façade of a building in the Grecian style. b. A triangular element, similar to or derivative of a Grecian pediment, used widely in architecture and decoration. 2. Geology A broad, gently sloping rock surface at the base of a steeper slope, often covered with alluvium, formed primarily by erosion. [Alteration (influenced by Latin pēs, ped-, foot) of earlier perement, probably alteration of PYRAMID.] ped′i·mental (-mĕntl) adj. pedi·ment′ed adj.  (click for a larger image) pedimentUS Supreme Court building Washington, DC |
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