Architecture and Construction - Arch and Vault

Here you will learn some English words related to arches and vaults such as "impost", "keystone", and "haunch".

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Architecture and Construction
haunch [noun]

the inclined or sloping portion of an arch, beam, or lintel that provides additional support and stability to the structure, typically located near the springing point or the midpoint of the span

keystone [noun]

a stone located at the top center of an arch, keeping all the other stones together

Ex: The neoclassical building had a pediment adorned with a sculpted keystone , symbolizing strength and stability .
crown [noun]

the decorative topmost element of a building, typically at the roofline or highest point

Ex: The building 's crown included intricate carvings .
voussoir [noun]

a wedge-shaped stone or masonry unit that is used to construct an arch or a vault

extrados [noun]

the outer or upper surface of an arch, vault, or similar curved structural element

springer [noun]

the lowest voussoir, or wedge-shaped stone, of an arch or vault that rests on the impost or support

rise [noun]

the vertical distance or height between the springing point and the highest point of the arch

Ex: The rise of the stone bridge 's arches allowed boats to pass underneath easily .
impost [noun]

the uppermost horizontal element or block that supports the weight of an arch or vault

the point on a structure where an arch or vault begins to curve or rise

an imaginary horizontal line that connects the springing points of a series of arches or vaults

intrados [noun]

the inner or lower curve of an arch or vault

span [noun]

the area between two supports, as in a bridge or arch

Ex: The span between the columns was reinforced .

a self-supporting structure formed by two diagonal members meeting at an apex, creating a triangular shape between two supports

an architectural arch created by projecting and overlapping stones or bricks that gradually step inward until they meet at the top, forming a curved structure without the use of a central support

a horizontal or near-horizontal beam supported by vertical supports, commonly used to span openings in construction

a semicircular architectural element that was widely used in ancient Roman buildings, known for its structural stability and iconic design

a U-shaped architectural element with inward-curving ends, often seen in Islamic and Moorish architecture, prized for its aesthetic beauty

a pointed arch with three overlapping cusps or lobes at the top, commonly seen in Gothic architecture for its decorative and intricate design

a narrow, pointed arch shape commonly used in Gothic architecture

an architectural element that forms a partial curve, resembling a segment of a circle, and is commonly used to span openings such as doors and windows

an architectural element that features a double-curvature shape, characterized by two opposite curves meeting at a point

a monumental architectural structure, often with a large central arch and smaller side arches, designed to commemorate and celebrate significant events or military victories

a gently curved architectural element with three distinct centers of curvature, commonly used in Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles for its aesthetic appeal

an architectural element characterized by a smoothly curved shape that resembles an elongated ellipse, often used in classical and neoclassical architecture

an architectural element that features a concave curve at the top and a convex curve at the bottom, forming an inverted "S" shape

a wide, flattened pointed arch commonly found in Tudor and Elizabethan architecture, adding a distinctively elegant and decorative touch to buildings

a curved architectural element shaped like a parabola, known for its structural strength and aesthetically pleasing design

ogive [noun]

a curved or pointed arch-like element that has a smooth, continuous curve without any sharp angles

an architectural element characterized by a sharp, pointed shape formed by two curved segments that meet at the apex

an architectural construction that consists of a series of intersecting stone ribs that form a skeletal framework supporting the vaulted ceiling

an architectural feature that consists of a series of arched ribs or arches that intersect to form a structural framework supporting a vaulted ceiling

Ex: The Renaissance palace featured a series of rib vaults in its grand gallery , creating a sense of height and grandeur .

an architectural feature characterized by a complex network of stone ribs radiating from a central point, creating a fan-like pattern in the ceiling or vault

a long, continuous, and semi-cylindrical arched ceiling often found in Roman, Byzantine, and Romanesque architecture, providing structural support and creating spacious interiors

an architectural element formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults, commonly seen in Gothic and Renaissance architecture for structural strength and aesthetic appeal

a ribbed architectural feature with intersecting stone ribs, commonly seen in cloisters and monastic buildings, offering both structural support and decorative elements

an architectural element characterized by a circular or ring-shaped ceiling formed by a series of arches or vaults arranged in a circular pattern

an architectural feature characterized by a series of thin, self-supporting clay tiles or bricks arranged in a herringbone pattern to create a vaulted ceiling

abutment [noun]

a support structure or component that bears the weight and forces of an arch, bridge, or similar structure, typically located at the ends or sides of the structure

groin [noun]

a curved edge or junction formed where two vaults intersect

Ex:
panel [noun]

a segmented section of a vaulted surface

Ex:

an additional supporting element that runs parallel to the main ribs or primary arches of the vault

spandrel [noun]

the triangular or curved space between an arch and the surrounding vertical supports, typically filled with decorative elements or panels

Ex: The Renaissance palace featured ornate frescoes on the spandrels of its arches , depicting scenes from classical mythology .
squinch [noun]

a small arch or corbelled structure that is used to create a smooth transition from a square or polygonal base to a circular or domed shape above