Definition

Noun: An approximately triangular surface area between two adjacent arches and the horizontal plane above them. It is a structural and decorative architectural element, often found in bridges, arcades, and large buildings.

Usage

The word "spandril" is a technical architectural term. It is used to describe a specific, often ornamented, part of a structure where arches meet a straight horizontal element like a ceiling or a floor above. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• The Gothic cathedral's spandrils were intricately carved with floral motifs.
• The engineer examined the spandril for any signs of stress or cracking.
• A simple, unadorned spandril can be seen between each arch of the stone bridge.

Advanced Usage

• Structural vs. Decorative: In modern steel or concrete structures, a spandril can refer to the panel between the top of a window on one floor and the sill of the window on the floor above. In this context, it is often a prefabricated unit.
  • The building's curtain wall system featured insulated glass spandril panels.

Variants and Related Words

• Spandrel (noun): This is the more common modern spelling and is interchangeable with "spandril." "Spandrel" is the preferred term in most contemporary architectural texts.
  • The architect specified granite for the spandrels.

Synonyms

• Panel (when referring to the infill area in a wall system)
• Pendentive (a related but distinct architectural term for a triangular segment of a spherical surface that forms a transition between a circular dome and a square base)

Different Meanings

The core meaning of "spandril" is specific to architecture. It does not have common idiomatic or metaphorical meanings in general English usage.

Noun

1. an approximately triangular surface area between two adjacent arches and the horizontal plane above them