What is "prostyle"

Prostyle \Pro"style\, a. [L. prostylus, Gr. ?; ? before + ? pillar, column: cf. F. prostyle.] (Arch.) Having columns in front. -- n. A prostyle portico or building.

a. (context of a structure English) Having pillars only along the front side n. A building having pillars only along the front side

adj. marked by columniation having free columns in a portico only across the opening to the structure [syn: pseudoprostyle]

Prostyle is an architectural term defining free standing columns across the front of a building, as often in a portico. The term is often used as an adjective when referring to the portico of a classical building which projects from the main structure. First used in Etruscan and Greek temples, the Romans later on incorporated this motif in their temples.

Examples of prostyle include the Temple of Athena Nike, Akropolis, Athens, Greece

This architectural style probably originated in the eastern Greek isles in the 8th century B.C., however there are also many examples in archaic temples in southern Italy.