attic

attic

Inscribed attic surmounting the main cornice of the Arch of Titus, Rome, AD 81

(credit: A.F. Kersting)

Floor of a dwelling contained within the eaves of the roof structure. The word originally denoted any portion of a wall above the main cornice (see entablature). Used by the ancient Romans principally for decorative purposes and inscriptions, as in triumphal arches, it became an important part of the Renaissance facade, often enclosing an additional story.

---

attic

Architect a storey or low wall above the cornice of a classical façade

---

Attic

the dialect of Ancient Greek spoken and written in Athens: the chief literary dialect of classical Greek

---

attic [′ad·ik]

(building construction)

The part of a building immediately below the roof and entirely or partly within the roof framing.

---

attic

attic, 2: of St. Peter’s, Rome; A, attic of main edifice; B, attic of the dome

1. A garret.

2. In classic building, a story built above the wall cornice.

3. (cap.) Pertaining to the district of Attica in Greece.

4. The ornamental construction above an entablature; often decorated.

5. The space between the ceiling framing of the topmost story and the underside of the roof framing.