Vocabulary Architecture

Question 1

Abacus

Answer 1

a thick rectangular piece of stone at the top of the capitol on which the architrave rests

Question 2

Aedicule

Answer 2

frame of a door or window with entablature and pediment supported by two columns

Question 3

Arcade

Answer 3

series of arches supported by columns or piers. A “blind” arcade is when they are there for decoration

Question 4

Architrave

Answer 4

lowest of the horizontal beams on the entablature

Question 5

Archivolt

Answer 5

Deep, moulded band around an arch (usually above an entrance)

Question 6

Bay

Answer 6

Area usually defined by pillars or some other separation

Question 7

Buttress

Answer 7

Projecting mass to add additional strength

Question 8

Flying Buttress

Answer 8

an arch extending from the main building to carry the thrust of the vault

Question 9

Caryatid

Answer 9

Sculpted female figure used in place of a column

Question 10

Clerestory

Answer 10

Part of a building rising above joining rooftops to get light into the interior

Question 11

Colonette

Answer 11

slim column

Question 12

Corbel

Answer 12

most frequently used to support balconies and other projecting elements

Question 13

Cornice

Answer 13

lining of the triangle of the pediment

Question 14

Drum

Answer 14

cylindrical wall supporting a dome

Question 15

Engaged Column

Answer 15

columns slightly embedded into the wall

Question 16

entablature

Answer 16

the name for the entirety of the pediment, architrave, cornice and freize

Question 17

Entasis

Answer 17

slight bulge in columns to suggest weight bearing

Question 18

Fluting

Answer 18

vertical engravings in columns

Question 19

Gable

Answer 19

Mostly found in Gothic architecture it is a triangular

Question 20

Groin/Cross vault

Answer 20

when who barrel vaults intersect forming a cross

Question 21

Lancet windows

Answer 21

Tall and slender windows found in gothic architecture

Question 22

Lantern

Answer 22

cylindrical or polygonal structure crowning the Dome- usually to allow light into the floor below

Question 23

Lunette

Answer 23

semi-circular wall area above a door (can also be called a tympanum)

Question 24

Mullion

Answer 24

slender column dividing an opening usually between windows

Question 25

Parapet

Answer 25

Low wall for protection of staircases, balconies and roof

Question 26

Pilaster

Answer 26

Flattened column projecting slightly from wall

Question 27

Portico

Answer 27

Columned, open yet roofed, porch to enter a building

Question 28

Rib Vault

Answer 28

Arched ceiling supported by ribs

Question 29

Volute

Answer 29

Ornament in the form of a spiral scroll

Question 30

Balustrade

Answer 30

Railing supported by balusters, ornamental parapet

Question 31

Façade

Answer 31

deceptive front of building- usually used for ornaments

Question 32

Cupola

Answer 32

small dome emerging from roof

Question 33

Oeils-de-boeuf windows

Answer 33

small circular windows to allow light in

Question 34

Syncopation

Answer 34

rhythm of patterns across levels of a building