barley-sugar column

noun

bar·​ley-sugar column

: a twisted architectural column : salomónica

The fine 15th-century church has twisted barley-sugar columns and old tombs set in the floor.

—Paul Lewis, New York Times, 30 Nov. 1986

Within its high outer walls is a luscious Gothic cloister oozing with delicate tracery and twisted barley sugar columns.

—Catherine Slessor, Architectural Review, February 2010

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!