tierceron: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareHighly Technical / Architectural History
Quick answer
What does “tierceron” mean?
In Gothic architecture, a secondary rib in a rib vault that springs from the main support and rises to the ridge rib, not from the corner of the vault.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Gothic architecture, a secondary rib in a rib vault that springs from the main support and rises to the ridge rib, not from the corner of the vault.
A specific architectural element in complex vaulting systems, distinguishing it from primary ribs like tiercerons and diagonal ribs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in meaning. Usage is identical and confined to the same highly specialised architectural context.
Connotations
None beyond its precise technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties of English.
Grammar
How to Use “tierceron” in a Sentence
The tierceron springs from the pier.A tierceron connects to the ridge rib.The vault features multiple tiercerons.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in art history, architecture, and archaeology papers discussing Gothic building techniques.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; used in architectural descriptions, restoration reports, and scholarly texts on medieval architecture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tierceron”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tierceron”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tierceron”
- Misspelling as 'tierceron', 'tierceroon', or 'tiercern'.
- Using it to refer to any arch or rib in a non-Gothic context.
- Confusing it with a 'lierne' rib (which connects other ribs, not the springing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and highly specialised term used only in architectural history.
It would be inappropriate and confusing. Use general terms like 'architectural rib' or 'ceiling support' instead.
A tierceron springs from a main support (like a pier) and goes to the ridge. A lierne is a short rib that connects other ribs but does not spring from a main support.
In the rib vaults of many Gothic cathedrals, such as those at Winchester Cathedral (UK) or the Saint-Chapelle (Paris).
In Gothic architecture, a secondary rib in a rib vault that springs from the main support and rises to the ridge rib, not from the corner of the vault.
Tierceron is usually highly technical / architectural history in register.
Tierceron: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɪəsəˌrɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɪrsəˌrɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TIERCE' (an old term for third) + 'RON' (like 'rib on') – it's a third-level rib, not the primary one.
Practice
Quiz
What is a tierceron?