spandrel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowtechnical
Quick answer
What does “spandrel” mean?
In architecture, the triangular space between the outer curve of an arch and a rectangular frame or between two adjacent arches.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In architecture, the triangular space between the outer curve of an arch and a rectangular frame or between two adjacent arches.
In evolutionary biology, a trait that is not directly adaptive but arises as a byproduct of other adaptations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in spelling, meaning, or pronunciation; both variants use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both; denotes a specific architectural or biological concept without additional emotional or cultural baggage.
Frequency
Equally rare in everyday language but common in specialized fields such as architecture, art history, and evolutionary biology in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “spandrel” in a Sentence
noun + between + noun phrase (e.g., spandrel between arches)noun + of + noun phrase (e.g., spandrel of the vault)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spandrel” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- spandrel beam
- spandrel brickwork
American English
- spandrel panel
- spandrel framing
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in architectural design or construction-related discussions.
Academic
Common in scholarly papers on architecture, art history, and evolutionary biology.
Everyday
Very rare; not part of general vocabulary and unlikely to be encountered in casual conversation.
Technical
Frequently used in technical descriptions, specifications, and theories within architecture and biological sciences.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spandrel”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spandrel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spandrel”
- Mispronouncing as /spænˈdrɛl/ with stress on the second syllable.
- Confusing with similar-sounding words like 'spindle' or 'spanner'.
- Overusing in non-technical contexts where simpler terms like 'gap' or 'space' are appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a technical term with low frequency in everyday language but is standard in fields like architecture and evolutionary biology.
No, 'spandrel' is primarily a noun and does not have a recognized verb form in standard English.
No, the spelling is identical in both variants, and there are no regional variations in usage.
Related terms include 'tympanum' (often in pediments), 'pendentive' (in dome construction), and 'soffit' (underside of an arch), though these are not exact synonyms.
In architecture, the triangular space between the outer curve of an arch and a rectangular frame or between two adjacent arches.
Spandrel is usually technical in register.
Spandrel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspændrəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspændrəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'span' as in spanning between arches, and 'drel' rhymes with 'dwell'—a spandrel dwells in the space between.
Conceptual Metaphor
Space between as byproduct: from physical gap in architecture to incidental trait in evolution.
Practice
Quiz
In evolutionary biology, what does 'spandrel' refer to?