squinch
/skwintʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A small arch built across the interior angle of two walls (usually to support a spire): In architecture, a "squinch" is a structural element, typically an arch or a series of arches, constructed in the corner of a square room to support a dome or a spire above.
Verb:
- To cross one's eyes as if in strabismus: To contract the muscles around the eyes, causing them to look inward or appear crossed.
- To draw back, as with fear or pain: To flinch or recoil suddenly, often involuntarily, due to fear, pain, or surprise.
- To crouch down: To lower the body close to the ground by bending the knees and back.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The architect designed a beautiful stone squinch to support the tower.
- The transition from the square base to the octagonal spire was achieved using squinches.
Verb (to cross one's eyes):
- The comedian made the children squinch their faces and squinch their eyes to make everyone laugh.
- Don't squinch your eyes like that for too long; it might give you a headache.
Verb (to draw back):
- She didn't squinch when the ball flew toward her face, showing great courage.
- He squinched at the sudden, loud noise behind him.
Verb (to crouch down):
- The soldier had to squinch behind the low wall to avoid being seen.
- I squinched down to get a better look at the tiny flowers.
Advanced Usage
Architectural Context: The term "squinch" is highly specific to architecture. It is often discussed in relation to other transitional elements like pendentives.
- Gothic and Romanesque architecture frequently employed squinches in their designs.
Descriptive Figurative Use: The verb form can be used figuratively to describe a physical reaction to emotional or psychological discomfort.
- His whole body seemed to squinch with embarrassment at the memory.
Variants and Related Words
- Squinched (adj): Describing a space or structure that incorporates a squinch.
- The squinched corner allowed for a more elegant support system.
- Squinching (n/adj): The action or state of squinching (as a verb).
- Her constant squinching was a nervous habit.
Synonyms
- Noun (Arch): Arch, corbel, pendentive (though structurally different).
- Verb (Cross eyes): Squint, cross.
- Verb (Flinch): Flinch, wince, recoil, shrink, cringe.
- Verb (Crouch): Crouch, squat, hunker down, stoop.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Squinch" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal uses are typically transitive or intransitive without accompanying particles.)
Related Idioms
(Note: There are no common idioms that use the word "squinch." It is primarily a technical architectural term and a descriptive verb.)
Noun
- a small arch built across the interior angle of two walls (usually to support a spire)
Verb
- cross one's eyes as if in strabismus
- The children squinted so as to scare each other
- draw back, as with fear or pain
- she flinched when they showed the slaughtering of the calf
- crouch down