skew arch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical, Architectural, Engineering
Quick answer
What does “skew arch” mean?
An arch built across a road or bridge at an angle other than a right angle to its span.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An arch built across a road or bridge at an angle other than a right angle to its span; its components are not perpendicular to the faces of the abutments.
Metaphorically, any structure, arrangement, or plan that is intentionally or inherently misaligned, causing a departure from the expected or standard path or relationship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is technical and consistent across both varieties.
Connotations
Technical precision; implies specialized knowledge.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to professional discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “skew arch” in a Sentence
The [engineers] [built] a skew arch [across the oblique crossing].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skew arch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The masonry was expertly skewed to form the arch over the oblique cutting.
- They had to skew the voussoirs precisely.
American English
- The design called for skewing the arch to meet the railroad's angle.
- To solve the crossing, they skewed the entire arch structure.
adverb
British English
- The bridge was built skew across the waterway.
- The stones were laid skew to accommodate the angle.
American English
- The road passes skew beneath the railway.
- The supports were positioned skew relative to the span.
adjective
British English
- The skew-arch bridge is a marvel of Victorian engineering.
- Skew-arch construction requires advanced stone-cutting.
American English
- The old railroad line features several skew-arch bridges.
- A skew-arch design was the only feasible option.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in architectural history, engineering, and construction textbooks and papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Most non-specialists would not know the term.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in design specifications, structural analysis, and historical descriptions of bridges and viaducts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “skew arch”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “skew arch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skew arch”
- Pronouncing 'skew' as /skuː/ (like 'school') instead of /skjuː/.
- Confusing it with a 'corbel arch' or other non-vertical support structures.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'diagonal' or 'angled' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. A properly designed and constructed skew arch distributes weight just as effectively as a right-angled arch, but its geometry and construction are more complex.
Yes, in technical contexts. One can 'skew an arch' or discuss 'skewed masonry,' referring to the act of building or cutting components at the necessary oblique angles.
Look at older railway or canal bridges, especially from the 19th century, where roads or other pathways needed to cross at angles. Many are found in the UK's industrial heritage sites.
The primary challenge is cutting the stones (voussoirs) so that their joints are perpendicular to the curve of the arch while also fitting the angled faces of the abutments. This creates complex, non-rectangular stone shapes.
An arch built across a road or bridge at an angle other than a right angle to its span.
Skew arch is usually technical, architectural, engineering in register.
Skew arch: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskjuː ˈɑːtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskjuː ˈɑːrtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a road SKEWing off at an angle, so the arch built over it must be a SKEW ARCH to match the angle, not a square one.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGLED/OBLIQUE SOLUTIONS FOR ANGLED PROBLEMS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'skew arch' primarily used?