groining

[ groi-ning ]

/ ˈgrɔɪ nɪŋ /

noun

the intersection of two vaults.

the construction of groined vaults.

Nearby words

groggery, groggy, grogram, grogshop, groin, groining, grok, grolier, grolier de servières, groma, grommet

Origin of groining

First recorded in 1645–55

Definition for groining (2 of 2)

groin

[ groin ]

/ grɔɪn /

noun

Anatomy. the fold or hollow on either side of the front of the body where the thigh joins the abdomen.

the general region of this fold or hollow.

Architecture. the curved line or edge formed by the intersection of two vaults.

Also groyne. a small jetty extending from a shore to prevent beach erosion.

verb (used with object)

Architecture. to form with groins.

Origin of groin

1350–1400; earlier grine, Middle English grinde; compare Old English grynde abyss, akin to grund bottom, ground¹

Related formsun·groined, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for groining

The whole of the nave south wall remains, showing a row of windows and indications of the groining of the aisle.
Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys|Dugald Butler and Herbert Story
The groining of the roof is, unfortunately, falling away by degrees.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Gloucester [2nd ed.]|H. J. L. J. Mass
The groining with cusped panels and numerous bosses has escaped restoration.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Churches of Coventry|Frederic W. Woodhouse
The bosses in the groining are yellow and green, as in the capitals.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Gloucester [2nd ed.]|H. J. L. J. Mass

We entered, and the duke pointed out the groining of the roof and the tracery of the windows.
Orientations|William Somerset Maugham

British Dictionary definitions for groining

groin

/ (ɡrɔɪn) /

noun

the depression or fold where the legs join the abdomenRelated adjective: inguinal

euphemistic the genitals, esp the testicles

a variant spelling (esp US) of groyne

architect a curved arris formed where two intersecting vaults meet

verb

(tr) architect to provide or construct with groins

Word Origin for groin

C15: perhaps from English grynde abyss; related to ground 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

Word Origin and History for groining

groin

1590s, earlier grine (1530s), from Middle English grynde "groin" (c.1400), originally "depression in the ground," from Old English grynde "abyss," perhaps also "depression, hollow," from Proto-Germanic *grundus (see ground). Altered 16c. by influence of loin or obsolete groin "snout." The architectural groin "edge formed by the intersection of two vaults" is from 1725.

Medicine definitions for groining

groin

[ groin ]

n.

The crease or hollow at the junction of the inner part of each thigh with the trunk, together with the adjacent region and often including the external genitals.