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Webster 1913 Edition

Volute

Vo-lute′

,
Noun.
[F.
volute
(cf. It.
voluta
), L.
voluta
, from
volvere
,
volutum
, to roll. See
Voluble
.]
1.
(Arch.)
A spiral scroll which forms the chief feature of the Ionic capital, and which, on a much smaller scale, is a feature in the Corinthian and Composite capitals. See Illust. of
Capital
, also
Helix
, and
Stale
.
2.
(Zool.)
A spiral turn, as in certain shells.
3.
(Zool.)
Any voluta.
Volute spiring
,
a spring formed of a spiral scroll of plate, rod, or wire, extended or extensible in the direction of the axis of the coil, in which direction its elastic force is exerted and employed.

Webster 1828 Edition

Volute

VOLU'TE

,
Noun.
[L. volutus, volvo.]
1.
In architecture, a kind of spiral scroll, used in the Ionic and composite capitals, of which it is a principal ornament. The number of volutes in the Ionic order, is four; in the Composite, eight. There are also eight angular volutes in the Corinthian capital, accompanied with eight smaller ones, called helices.
2.
In natural history, a genus of shells.

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