doric

Everyday

1. (architecture) The oldest and plainest style of ancient Greek columns, thick and strong with a simple round top, as on the Parthenon in Athens. tree →
2. (Scotland) Doric is the name of the Scots dialect spoken in the north-east of Scotland, around Aberdeen. tree →
3. (history) To do with the Dorians, one of the ancient Greek peoples, and their dialect of Greek. tree →

In the lessons

In history and art lessons on Ancient Greece, pupils learn the three column styles: Doric (plain), Ionic (with scrolls) and Corinthian (with leaves). In Scotland, children may hear Doric words like «loon» (boy) and «quine» (girl). Usually written with a capital D.

Examples

• The Parthenon has Doric columns. tree →
• Doric columns have a plain, round top. tree →
• We drew Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns in history. tree →
• My granny in Aberdeen speaks Doric. tree →
• In Doric, a boy is a «loon» and a girl is a «quine». tree →
• The museum front has six Doric columns. tree →
• Thus the Doric style of architecture was sacred to Zeus, Ares, and Heracles; the Ionic to Apollo, Artemis, and Dionysus; and the Corinthian to Hestia. tree →

Note

Usually a capital D. Order of fanciness: Doric (plainest), Ionic, Corinthian (most decorated). The Scottish Doric is a dialect of Scots, not of standard English.