spandrel

(spandrəl)

noun

  1. either of the triangular spaces between the exterior curve of an arch and a rectangular frame or mold enclosing it
  2. any of the spaces between a series of arches and a straight cornice running above them

Origin: ME spaundrell, dim. of Anglo-Fr spaundre < OFr espandre, to expand < L expandere, expand

See spandrel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also span·dril

noun
  1. The roughly triangular space between the left or right exterior curve of an arch and the rectangular framework surrounding it.
  2. The space between two arches and a horizontal molding or cornice above them.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English spaundrell

Origin: , probably from spandre, space between supporting timbers

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman spaundre

Origin: , from spandre, to spread out

Origin: , from Latin expandere; see expand

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