Volute

Volute, in Architecture, the spiral ornaments of the Ionic and Corinthian capitals, probably derived from Assyrian architecture, in which it is also used. See illustration at COLUMN; also EVOLUTE.—The volute shells, forming the Gasteropod family Volutidæ, are chiefly tropical shells, many of them of great beauty and much valued by collectors. The only common British species is Voluta tornatilis; valuable ones are V. imperialis, V. musica, and V. junonia.