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arc-boutant

 

Definitions from WordNet

Noun arc-boutant has 1 sense
  1. flying buttress, arc-boutant - a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch
    --1 is a kind of buttress, buttressing

Definitions from the Web

Arc-boutant

Definition

An arc-boutant, also known as a flying buttress, is a structural element in architecture that provides support to the walls of a building, especially in Gothic architecture.

Sense 1 - Architectural Feature

An arc-boutant is a gracefully curved, external architectural feature that transfers the thrust of a vaulted ceiling or roof from the upper walls to a freestanding pier or buttress through an arch-shaped structure.

Example sentence: The magnificent cathedral showcased intricate stone carvings on its arc-boutants that supported the soaring ceilings.

Sense 2 - Structural Support

Arc-boutants play a crucial role in evenly distributing the weight and stresses of the upper structure, allowing builders to create expansive, open interiors with larger windows.

Example sentence: The architect included multiple arc-boutants in the design to ensure the cathedral's walls could withstand the immense pressure exerted by the heavy roof.

Sense 3 - Aesthetic Appeal

Arc-boutants also contribute to the visual appeal of a building, adding elegance and grandeur to its overall design.

Example sentence: The flying buttresses of the medieval abbey created a dramatic silhouette against the evening sky.

Related Products

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