noun
- rectangular spaces between triglyphs in a Doric frieze, often decorated with sculptural reliefs
Usage: architecture; plural of metope
Examples
- The metopes of the Parthenon depict scenes from Greek mythology.
- Ancient Greek architects carefully planned the spacing of metopes and triglyphs.
- The sculptured metopes showed battles between gods and giants.
- Archaeologists studied the damaged metopes to understand the temple’s original design.
- The Doric temple featured alternating triglyphs and decorated metopes.
- Museum visitors admired the intricate carvings on the ancient metopes.