from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Intercolumniation \In`ter*co*lum`ni*a"tion\, n. (Arch.)
The clear space between two columns, measured at the bottom
of their shafts. --Gwilt.
[1913 Webster]
Note: It is customary to measure the intercolumniation in
terms of the diameter of the shaft, taken also at the
bottom. Different words, derived from the Greek, are in
use to denote certain common proportions. They are:
{Pycnostyle}, when the intercolumniation is of one and
a half diameters; {Systyle}, of two diameters;
{Eustyle}, of two and a quarter diameters; {Diastyle},
of three diameters; {Ar[ae]ostyle}, of four or more,
and so great that a wooden architrave has to be used
instead of stone; {Ar[ae]osystyle}, when the
intercolumniations are alternately systyle and
ar[ae]ostyle.
[1913 Webster]