Glossary of Architectural Terms

This is an evolving list of terms that are used on occasion throughout
this blog, sometimes frequently.

arcade
A series of arches supported by columns or piers, either attached to a wall or freestanding.

belt course
A continuous row or layer of stones, tile, brick, shingles, etc. in a wall.

balustrade
A railing with supporting balusters (small closely spaced posts).

cantilever
A beam or other projection that is unsupported at one end.

capital
The top part of a column or pillar.

Corinthian order
The most ornate of the classical Greek orders, characterized by a fluted column and a capital decorated with acanthus leaves.

cornice
A molding or ornamentation that projects from the top of a building.

crenelation
A wall at the top of a fortified building with regular gaps allowing defenders to shoot from. Also known as battlement.

curtain wall
A nonstructural exterior wall, usually of glass and steel.

doric order
The oldest of the five classical orders, characterized by a fluted column with no base and a plain capital.

dormer
A window in a small, often gabled structure set vertically on a sloping roof, allowing light to enter

exedra
Semicircular, often domed recess.

fanlight
A semicircular window, usually located above a door.

Festoon
Ornamental garland, usually suspended from both ends.

finial
A sculptured ornament fixed to the top of a peak, arch, gable or similar structure.

flemish bond    
A brickwork bond with alternating headers (short side) and stretchers (long side) in each course (row).

frieze
The horizontal part of a classical entablature just below the cornice, often decorated with carvings.

gable
The triangular section of a wall on the side of a building with a double-pitched roof.

gargoyle
A grotesquely carved figure that serves as a spout to carry water from a gutter away from the building.

ionic order    
One of the classical orders characterized by a fluted column, a molded base and a capital decorated with volutes.

Keystone
The central wedge-shaped stone at the crown of an arch that locks all parts together.

Mascaron
An architectural ornament representing a face or head. The head — either from a human or an animal — is often grotesque or frightening.

oriel
A projecting bay window on an upper floor.

pediment
A wide, low-pitched gable, often surmounting a colonnade.

pilaster
A rectangular column with a base, shaft and capital projecting from a wall as an ornamental motif.

portico
A roofed porch usually supported by columns, often leading to the entrance of the building.

quatrefoil
A decorative element shaped in the form of four leaves.

terracotta
Clay material that has been molded and fired, often used for building ornaments or cladding. Also written terra cotta or terra-

turret
A small tower projected on a building.