girandole

/'dʤirəndoul/

Thân thiện

A crystal girandole holds three lit candles on the mantelpiece.

Definition

Noun: 1. An ornate branched candle holder, often incorporating a mirror: A girandole is a decorative, multi-armed candlestick or candelabrum, frequently designed in an elaborate style. Historically, it often featured a mirror or reflective backing to enhance the light from the candles.

Examples of Usage

• The antique girandole on the mantelpiece reflected the candlelight beautifully.
• The ballroom was illuminated by several crystal girandoles hanging from the ceiling.
• She inherited a pair of 18th-century girandoles made of gilded bronze.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Decorative Arts Context: The term is most precisely used to describe a specific style of lighting fixture popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, characterized by its showy, often asymmetrical design with scrolling arms.
• Jewelry Context: By extension, "girandole" can also refer to a style of earring with a central pendant surrounded by smaller dangling ornaments, resembling the branched form of the candle holder.

Variants and Related Words

• Girandola (n): An Italian term, often referring to a revolving firework or fountain, which is the origin of the English word "girandole."
• Candelabrum (n): A large, branched candlestick; a more general term that includes girandoles.
• Sconce (n): A wall-mounted light fixture, which a girandole may sometimes be designed as.

Synonyms

• Candelabrum
• Candleholder
• Chandelier (when suspended)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• There are no common idioms directly using the word "girandole." Its usage is specific to descriptions of decorative objects.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an ornate candle holder; often with a mirror

Từ đồng nghĩa

• girandola