CYMAT1UM, CIMA, CYMA, ur SIMA (from trynartov, undula, the diminutive of /mita, a. ware) a moulding, N% hose sec tion is a curve of contrary flexure ; it is commonly denominated by workmen an ogee. This is the strict sense in which the term ought to be employed, though Vitruvius uses it for any subordinate moulding which terminates a principal member, and the particular form is specified by prefixing another word, as Doric cymatium, Lesbian cymatium. in the same sense also he uses the word Cysis, which signifies separation. But notwitlWanding this great authority, in the general usage of the term we shall abide by the definition as above, signifying an undulated form, as being most generally understood.
When the concave part of the moulding projects beyond the convex part, the cymatium is denominated a sima-recta ; hut when the convex part has the greatest projection, the cymatium is denominated a sima-inversa. The sitna-recta is otherwise called gula-recta, or doucine, and the sima-inversa, gula-inversa, or talon. Palladio distinguishes the cymatium
of the cornice by the name intavolata. Our architects, in speaking of the uppermost member of a cornice, call it rime, oyma, or cymatium ; but we see no reason for the word being appropriated to this situation, as the propriety of terms con sists in their proper application to definite forms.
The cymatia which are particularized by the terms Tuscan, Doric, and Lesbian, mentioned by Vitruvius, arc not defined by this ancient author, and their meaning is only guessed at by his commentators and readers.
The Tuscan is supposed to be an ovolo, or quarter-round ; the Doric, an ovolo, or cavetto ; and the Lesbian, the sima inversa, or talon.
Philander makes two Doric cymatia, one of which, he says, is that said to be Tuscan. The projecture allowed to the Doric and Lesbian cymatia, is subduple of the height.