archivolt

American  

[ahr-kuh-vohlt] / ˈɑr kəˌvoʊlt /

noun

Architecture.

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

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archivolt British  

/ ˈɑːkɪˌvəʊlt /

noun

1. a moulding around an arch, sometimes decorated

2. the under surface of an arch

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Etymology

Origin of archivolt

1725–35; < French archivolte < Italian archivolto < Medieval Latin *archivoltum, Latinization of Old French arvol < Late Latin arcus volūtus vaulted arch; arch ¹, vault ¹

Example Sentences

His semi-circular arch is formed by a grain surrounded by an archivolt with a chamfered band.

From Romanesque Art in Southern Manche: Album by Lebert, Marie

Detail showing the second carved head on which the archivolt rests.

From Romanesque Art in Southern Manche: Album by Lebert, Marie

The lower range of the archivolt is divided by pilasters bearing the symbols of the Evangelists, deeply cut arabesques of the Genii, and the four greater prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

From The Cathedrals of Southern France by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

The pilasters, the moldings of the arch, the archivolt and jambs are all, in the lower order, most profusely covered with exquisite designs, admirably fitted to their respective fields, full of imagination and virility.

From Cathedrals of Spain by John A.

The arch of the gate is formed of three grains: a grain with a lower centering, and two semi-circular grains surmounted by a archivolt.

From Romanesque Art in Southern Manche: Album by Lebert, Marie