ogive

[ oh-jahyv, oh-jahyv ]

noun

1. Architecture.
   1. a diagonal vaulting rib.
   2. a pointed arch.
2. Statistics. the distribution curve of a frequency distribution.
3. Rocketry. the curved nose of a missile or rocket.

ogive

/ ˈəʊdʒaɪv; əʊˈdʒaɪv /

noun

1. a diagonal rib or groin of a Gothic vault
2. another name for lancet arch
3. statistics a graph the ordinates of which represent cumulative frequencies of the values indicated by the corresponding abscissas
4. the conical head of a missile or rocket that protects the payload during its passage through the atmosphere

Derived Forms

• oˈgival, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ogive¹

1605–15; < French, Middle French ogive, augive < Spanish aljibe < Spanish Arabic al-jibb the well

Word History and Origins

Origin of ogive¹

C17: from Old French, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Significantly, the cathedral is a prominent showcase of the Plantagenet Gothic style, incorporating a ceiling of rounded ogive vaults and walls with blind arcades beneath bay windows.

From Washington Post

The relentless ogive of growth fascinated Jacques Monod, the French biologist.

From Literature

The Tishomingo County manufacturer produced four large composite ogive panels for the crew capsule and 14 other large composite structures for the Delta IV Heavy rocket for the mission.

From Washington Times

The curves of the commonplace arcade became those of the graceful ogive, or of the proud, far-extending arch.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, as the Roman art preceded the ogival art, so the hoofs which have the semicircular form precede those which have the form of an ogive.

From Project Gutenberg