ogive

American  

[oh-jahyv, oh-jahyv] / ˈoʊ dʒaɪv, oʊˈdʒaɪv /

noun

1. Architecture.

   1. a diagonal vaulting rib.

   2. a pointed arch.

2. Statistics. the distribution curve of a frequency distribution.

3. Rocketry. the curved nose of a missile or rocket.

---

ogive British  

/ ˈəʊdʒaɪv, əʊˈdʒaɪv /

noun

1. a diagonal rib or groin of a Gothic vault

2. another name for lancet arch

3. statistics a graph the ordinates of which represent cumulative frequencies of the values indicated by the corresponding abscissas

4. the conical head of a missile or rocket that protects the payload during its passage through the atmosphere

---

Other Word Forms

• ogival
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ogive

1605–15; < French, Middle French ogive, augive < Spanish aljibe < Spanish Arabic al-jibb the well

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ogive

Significantly, the cathedral is a prominent showcase of the Plantagenet Gothic style, incorporating a ceiling of rounded ogive vaults and walls with blind arcades beneath bay windows.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 24, 2021

The relentless ogive of growth fascinated Jacques Monod, the French biologist.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

This arch, a natural ogive, fashioned by the waves, was glittering between its two dark and profound supports.

From Toilers of the Sea by Hugo, Victor

The curves of the commonplace arcade became those of the graceful ogive, or of the proud, far-extending arch.

From The Life of Mohammad The Prophet of Allah by Dinet, Etienne

Here he sat like a king beneath the ogive of the branches; a shower of rain had adorned them with pale-blue pearls.

From Romance of the Rabbit by Edgerton, Gladys