peristyle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a colonnade surrounding a building or enclosing a court

WordNet

Per"i*style noun
Etymology
L. peristylum, Gr. , about + a column: cf. F. péristyle.
Definitions
  1. (Arch.) A range of columns with their entablature, etc.; specifically, a complete system of columns, whether on all sides of a court, or surrounding a building, such as the cella of a temple. Used in the former sense, it gives name to the larger and inner court of a Roman dwelling, the peristyle. See Colonnade.

Webster 1913