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voussoir
[ voo-swahr ]
/ vuˈswɑr /
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noun Architecture.
any of the pieces, in the shape of a truncated wedge, that form an arch or vault.
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Origin of voussoir
1325–75; <French; replacing Middle English vousor(i)e<Anglo-French; Old French volsoir<Vulgar Latin *volsōrium, equivalent to *volt(us) (for Latin volūtus), past participle of volvere to turn + -tōrium-tory2 with tt>s
Words nearby voussoir
vouchee, voucher, voucher system, vouchsafe, vouge, voussoir, Vouvray, vow, vowel, vowel gradation, vowel harmony
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use voussoir in a sentence
Each voussoir was a cast-iron framed piece two feet long and five feet in depth, and these were bolted together.
Stone blocks in the shape of a voussoir (fig. 14) may be used instead.
Each block or voussoir should be cut to fit exactly in its appointed place, the joints being made as fine as possible.
British Dictionary definitions for voussoir
voussoir
/ (vuːˈswɑː) /
noun
a wedge-shaped stone or brick that is used with others to construct an arch or vault
Word Origin for voussoir
C18: from French, from Vulgar Latin volsōrium (unattested), ultimately from Latin volvere to turn, roll
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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