A pedestal is a support structure at the bottom of a statue, vase, column, or certain altars. It is also called a plinth, and smaller pedestals, especially if round in shape, may be called socles. In sculpting, the terms base, plinth, and pedestal are defined according to their subtle differences. A base is defined as a large mass that supports the sculpture from below. A plinth is defined as a flat and planar support which separates the sculpture from the environment. A pedestal, on the other hand, is defined as a shaft-like form that raises the sculpture and separates it from the base. In civil engineering, a pedestal is also called a basement.

Here are some key features of a pedestal:

• It is a support structure at the bottom of a statue, vase, column, or certain altars.
• It can be called a plinth, and smaller pedestals, especially if round in shape, may be called socles.
• In sculpting, a pedestal is defined as a shaft-like form that raises the sculpture and separates it from the base.
• In civil engineering, a pedestal is also called a basement.

Overall, a pedestal is a support structure that is used to elevate and separate a statue, vase, column, or certain altars from its base or environment.