por·ti·co (pôrt-k, pr-)
n. pl. por·ti·coes or por·ti·cos
A porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leading
to the entrance of a building.
A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade,
with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns or enclosed by walls.
This idea first appeared in ancient Greece and has influenced many cultures. The
style is known in American culture, though it is not as popular as other Greek
influences like pillars.
Some famous examples of porticos are the East
Portico of the United States Capitol, and the portico adorning the Pantheon
in Rome.
[Italian, from Latin porticus, from
porta, gate.]