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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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Words Related to Architecture and Construction
haunch
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

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keystone
keystone
[noun]

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

Ex: The Art Deco façade was embellished with geometric motifs , including a stylized keystone at the center of each archway , adding a touch of modern elegance .
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crown
crown
[noun]

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

Ex: The crown visually completed the structure .
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voussoir
voussoir
[noun]

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

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extrados
extrados
[noun]

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

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springer
springer
[noun]

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

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impost
impost
[noun]

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

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springing point

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

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springing line

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

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intrados
intrados
[noun]

the inner or lower curve of an arch or vault

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span
span
[noun]

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

Ex: The span cracked under heavy load .
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triangular arch

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

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corbel arch

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

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flat arch
flat arch
[noun]

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

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Roman arch

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

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horseshoe arch

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

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trefoil arch

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

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lancet arch

a narrow, pointed arch shape commonly used in Gothic architecture

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segmental arch

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

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ogee arch
ogee arch
[noun]

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

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triumphal arch

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

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three-centered arch

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

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elliptical arch

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

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reverse ogee arch

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

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Tudor arch

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

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parabolic arch

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

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ogive
ogive
[noun]

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

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pointed arch

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

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Gothic rib vault

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

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rib vault
rib vault
[noun]

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 Art Nouveau train station boasted a soaring concourse with a glass and steel rib vault, flooding the space with natural light .
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fan vault
fan vault
[noun]

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

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barrel vault

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

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groin vault

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

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cloister vault

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

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annular vault

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

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Catalan vault

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

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abutment
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

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groin
groin
[noun]

a curved edge or junction formed where two vaults intersect

Ex: The engineer examined the stress along the groins of the arch .
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panel
panel
[noun]

a segmented section of a vaulted surface

Ex: The architect restored the damaged panels.
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secondary rib

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

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spandrel
spandrel
[noun]

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

Ex: The Art Deco apartment building had decorative metalwork adorning the spandrels of its balconies , adding a touch of glamour to the facade .
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squinch
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

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