pediment

noun

Etymology: From the earlier form peremint, perhaps a dialectal alteration of pyramid, under the influence of -ment.

1. A classical architectural element consisting of a triangular section or gable found above the horizontal superstructure (entablature) which lies immediately upon the columns; fronton.

   “Passing the Congregation Shearith Israel on Central Park West (a white whale of a building with a triangular pediment supported by four count ’em four massive Corinthian columns), Professor Solanka scurrying through the downpour remembered the newly bat-mitzvahed thirteen-year-old girl he’d glimpsed through the side door, […]”

2. A very gently sloping (0.5°-7°) inclined bedrock surface.