stringcourse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “stringcourse” mean?
A continuous horizontal band or molding on the exterior of a building, often projecting slightly from the wall surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A continuous horizontal band or molding on the exterior of a building, often projecting slightly from the wall surface.
In architecture, a decorative or structural horizontal line that visually divides or articulates a facade, sometimes used to mark floor levels or to provide a visual break in a wall surface.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between British and American English. The term is standard in architectural terminology in both varieties.
Connotations
Technical, precise, architectural. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to architectural writing, history, and restoration contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “stringcourse” in a Sentence
The [Material] stringcourse runs along the [Part of Building].A stringcourse of [Material] articulates the facade.The architect incorporated a stringcourse to [Purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in architectural history, art history, and building conservation texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in architecture, masonry, and historic building surveys.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stringcourse”
- Misspelling as 'string course' (two words) is common but the standard architectural term is one word.
- Confusing it with a 'cornice' or 'lintel', which have different positions and functions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In standard architectural terminology, it is one word: 'stringcourse'.
A cornice is a specific type of molding that crowns or tops a building or wall, often at the roof line. A stringcourse is a horizontal band that can appear at any level on a facade.
Yes, common materials include stone, brick, terracotta, or stucco, chosen to contrast with or complement the main wall material.
No, it is a highly specialized C2-level term. Learners only need to know it if they are studying architecture, art history, or related fields.
A continuous horizontal band or molding on the exterior of a building, often projecting slightly from the wall surface.
Stringcourse is usually technical/formal in register.
Stringcourse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋkɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɪŋkɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'course' of bricks in a wall. A 'STRINGcourse' is like a special, continuous STRING or line of decoration running along the building.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BUILDING IS A TEXT / A NARRATIVE. The stringcourse is like a line of text or a punctuation mark (a dash or rule) separating sections of the story.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a stringcourse?