archivolt

[ ahr-kuh-vohlt ]

nounArchitecture.

a molded or decorated band following the extrados of an arch or forming an archlike frame for an opening.

Origin of archivolt

1725–35; <French archivolte<Italian archivolto<Medieval Latin *archivoltum, Latinization of Old French arvol<Late Latin arcus volūtus vaulted arch; see arch¹, vault¹

Words Nearby archivolt

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use archivolt in a sentence

archivolt, r′ki-volt, n. the band or moulding which runs round the lower part of the archstones of an arch.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) | Various
archivolt (rki-volt), in architecture, the ornamental band of mouldings on the face of an arch and following its contour.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2 | Various
The archivolt which frames it, doubtless belonged to a 12th century tomb.
Rheims and the Battles for its Possession | Various
The south-east door has in its tympanum the death of the Blessed Virgin, with angels in the archivolt holding candles.
Some Account of Gothic Architecture in Spain | George Edmund Street
The meaning of the sculpture in the archivolt was not clear to me, and seemed to refer to some legend.
Some Account of Gothic Architecture in Spain | George Edmund Street

British Dictionary definitions for archivolt

archivolt

/ (ˈɑːkɪˌvəʊlt) /

nounarchitect

a moulding around an arch, sometimes decorated
the under surface of an arch

Origin of archivolt

C18: from Italian archivolto; see arc, vault 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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