skewback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical (Architecture, Construction)
Quick answer
What does “skewback” mean?
The sloping surface or stone at the spring of an arch that receives and supports the thrust of the arch or vault.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sloping surface or stone at the spring of an arch that receives and supports the thrust of the arch or vault.
In construction and architecture, the element which bears the lateral thrust of an arch. It can also refer to the supporting abutment itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is uniformly technical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside architectural/engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “skewback” in a Sentence
The [material] skewback supports the [type] arch.The arch springs from the [adjective] skewback.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skewback” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The skewback stone was meticulously carved.
American English
- The skewback angle was critical for stability.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in architecture, civil engineering, and historical construction texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term for describing arch construction and masonry.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skewback”
- Spelling as 'skueback' or 'skewbak'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to skewback the arch').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency technical term used almost exclusively in architecture, masonry, and structural engineering.
No, it is solely a noun in standard usage. Using it as a verb would be incorrect.
The skewback is at the springing (bottom) of the arch and receives the thrust. The keystone is at the crown (top) and locks the other stones in place.
No. It is only necessary for specialists in relevant fields or for advanced learners with a focus on technical vocabulary.
The sloping surface or stone at the spring of an arch that receives and supports the thrust of the arch or vault.
Skewback is usually technical (architecture, construction) in register.
Skewback: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskjuː.bæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskjuː.bæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an arch trying to SKEW (slant) BACKwards; the SKEWBACK is the part that stops it from doing so by receiving the thrust.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS A BODY: The skewback is like the shoulder or haunch that bears a heavy load.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a skewback?