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Architecture Terms - Quiz
Basic Architectural Vocabulary
36
Architecture
Undergraduate 4
04/02/2013

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Term
acanthus
Definition
ornamental motif used in Corinthian columns based on a genus of plants.
Term
in antis
Definition
Columns between antae (posts or pillars on either side of a doorway or entrance of a Greek temple)
Term
arcade
Definition
A series of arches, carried by columns or piers and supporting a common wall or lintel
Term
arch
Definition
a curved structure capable of spanning a space while supporting significant weight.
Term
architrave
Definition
the lintel or beam that rests on the capitals of the columns
Term
base
Definition
Bottom supportive portion of a column, located directly below the shaft.
Term
bracket
Definition
A projecting angled or curved form used as a support, found in conjunction with balconies, lintels, pediments, cornices, etc.
Term
buttress
Definition
A structure, usually brick or stone, built against a wall for support or reinforcement.
Term
capital
Definition
The topmost member, usually decorated, of a column or pilaster.
Term
cast iron
Definition
A type of iron, mass-produced in the nineteenth century, created by pouring molten iron into a mold.
Term
clerestory
Definition
The topmost zone of a wall with windows in a basilica extending above the aisle roofs. Provides direct light into the central interior space (the nave).
Term
colonnade
Definition
A row of regularly spaced columns supporting an entablature.
Term
colossal order
Definition
Architectural order extending beyond one interior story, often extending through several stories.
Term
column
Definition
A vertical, cylindrical support. In classical design it is composed of a base (except in the Greek Doric order), a long, gradually tapered shaft, and a capital.
Term
concrete
Definition
a construction material composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as aggregate, water, and chemical admixtures.
Term
Corinthian
Definition
The most ornate of the three main orders of classical Greek architecture, characterized by a slender fluted column having an ornate bell-shaped capital decorated with acanthus leaves.
Term
cornice
Definition
A projecting molding that tops the elements to which it is attached; used especially for a roof or the crowning member of an entablature, located above the frieze.
Term
dome
Definition
a structural element of architecture that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere.
Term
Doric
Definition
One of five classical orders, recognizable by its simple capital and (normally) fluted shaft. Greek: fluted shaft & no base; Roman: fluted or smooth & a molded base.
Term
entablature
Definition
In the classical orders, the horizontal elements above the columns and capitals. Consists of, from bottom to top, an architrave, a frieze, and a cornice.
Term
entasis
Definition
A slight convex curve used on columns, towers and spires to correct the optical illusion of concavity with tall structures.
Term
facade
Definition
The main exterior face of a building, sometimes distinguished by elaboration of architectural or ornamental details.
Term
gable
Definition
The upper portion of an end wall formed by the slope of a roof.
Term
Ionic
Definition
One of the five classical orders, characterized by capitals with spiral elements called “volutes,” a fasciated entablature, continuous frieze, dentils in its cornice, and by its elegant detailing.
Term
nave
Definition
The central space of a basilica, two or three stories high and usually flanked by aisles.
Term
pediment
Definition
The triangular space forming the gable end of a roof above the horizontal cornice. Or, an ornamental gable, usually triangular, above a door or window.
Term
pilaster
Definition
An engaged columnar element that is rectangular in format and used for decoration in architecture.
Term
podium
Definition
Any of various elements that form the “foot,” or base, of a structure.
Term
portico
Definition
A small porch composed of a roof supported by columns, often found in front of a doorway.
Term
post and lintel
Definition
Construction method using a horizontal lintel, header or architrave over a void supported at the ends by two vertical columns, pillars or posts.
Term
rustication
Definition
Stonework composed of large blocks of masonry separated by wide, recessed joints; often imitated in other materials for decorative purposes.
Term
shaft
Definition
The vertical segment of a column or pilaster between the base and the capital.
Term
terracotta
Definition
Hard fired clay, either glazed or unglazed, molded into ornamental elements, wall cladding, and roof tiles.
Term
volute
Definition
A spiral scroll-like ornament that forms the basis of the Ionic order, found in the capital of the Ionic column.
Term
voussoir
Definition
The oblong, wedge-shaped blocks used to construct an arch.
Term
wrought iron
Definition
Iron that is worked by being forged or hammered.
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