Volute (disambiguation)

The term volute is used for spiral or scroll forms in a number of different contexts, all of which derive from and allude to the original Latin root word voluta ("scroll"):

• In architecture, a volute is a decorative element, in particular on the capitals of columns.
• In art and ornament, a volute is a spiral or scroll form.
• In stairways, a volute is a handrail for a bullnose step that is shaped like a spiral.
• In biology, a volute is one of a number of species of marine snails in the family Volutidae.
• In engineering, a volute is the casing in a centrifugal pump, whose shape is somewhat similar to architectural volutes.
• In engineering, a volute spring is a compression spring in the shape of a volute.
• In pottery, a volute krater is a type of Greek urn that takes its name from the form of the handles, which spiral into volutes.
• In music, a volute is a scroll shaped carving at the tuning head of stringed musical instruments similar to architectural volutes.