pendentive

[ pen-den-tiv ]

noun

, Architecture.

1. any of several spandrels, in the form of spherical triangles, forming a transition between the circular plan of a dome and the polygonal plan of the supporting masonry.
2. any of several masonry devices, as squinches or trompes, for forming a transition between a circular or polygonal construction, as a dome or lantern, and supporting masonry of a different plan.

adjective

1. functioning as, or substituting for, a pendentive:

   pendentive corbeling.

pendentive

/ pɛnˈdɛntɪv /

noun

1. any of four triangular sections of vaulting with concave sides, positioned at a corner of a rectangular space to support a circular or polygonal dome

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendentive¹

1720–30; pendent + -ive, modeled on French pendentif

Word History and Origins

Origin of pendentive¹

C18: from French pendentif, from Latin pendens hanging, from pendere to hang

Example Sentences

The last pendentive of the vaulting rests on a single shaft springing directly from a head-corbel.

From Project Gutenberg

The westernmost pendentive on either side rests on a Perpendicular corbel carved with delicate foliage.

From Project Gutenberg

The pendentive under the dome is similar in its construction to those under the dome of the curious church of Ainay, at Lyons.

From Project Gutenberg

In these examples a pendentive is formed at each angle of the square, and thus the octagonal base is formed for the vault.

From Project Gutenberg

The playful little fellow on the clouds below St. Matthew's feet looks across at the sprites of the opposite pendentive.

From Project Gutenberg