(pronounced DEN-tihl MOHL-ding)

If your first thought when hearing this term is the dentist, you’re actually not far off from the definition. A dentil is one in a sequence of little rectangular blocks – that actually resemble teeth – spaced at regular intervals, and they project out to form a decorative molding that is most often used on cornices. As many classic architectural elements are, dentil molding is regularly adapted to add ornamentation to decorative accessories and furniture pieces.

See also: cornice