spandrel

or span·dril

[ span-druhl ]

noun

1. Architecture. an area between the extradoses of two adjoining arches, or between the extrados of an arch and a perpendicular through the extrados at the springing line.
2. (in a steel-framed building) a panellike area between the head of a window on one level and the sill of a window immediately above.
3. Philately. the decoration occupying the space at the corner of a stamp between the border and an oval or circular central design.

spandrel

/ ˈspændrəl /

noun

1. an approximately triangular surface bounded by the outer curve of an arch and the adjacent wall
2. the surface area between two adjacent arches and the horizontal cornice above them

Word History and Origins

Origin of spandrel¹

1470–80; earlier spaundrell, probably < Anglo-French spaundre, itself perhaps cognate with Old French espandre to expand

Word History and Origins

Origin of spandrel¹

C15 spaundrell, from Anglo-French spaundre spandrel, from Old French spandre to spread, expand

Example Sentences

Fig. 107 is a shaped spandrel, such as is fixed in the recess of a sideboard or cupboard or shop window fitment.

From Project Gutenberg

In each spandrel of the main arcade is cut an elaborate rosette before which stands the shaft that mounts to the vault-springing.

From Project Gutenberg

Each spandrel is pierced by trefoils and quatrefoils, and at the apse the triforium spandrels are entirely covered with foliage.

From Project Gutenberg

Two out of the eight large spandrel pictures round the dome are already executed.

From Project Gutenberg

The roof, which is of chestnut, is of hammer-beam construction, with moulded spandrel brackets and circular shafts.

From Project Gutenberg