spandrel

or span·dril

[ span-druhl ]

noun

1. Architecture. an area between the extradoses of two adjoining arches, or between the extrados of an arch and a perpendicular through the extrados at the springing line.
2. (in a steel-framed building) a panellike area between the head of a window on one level and the sill of a window immediately above.
3. Philately. the decoration occupying the space at the corner of a stamp between the border and an oval or circular central design.

spandrel

/ ˈspændrəl /

noun

1. an approximately triangular surface bounded by the outer curve of an arch and the adjacent wall
2. the surface area between two adjacent arches and the horizontal cornice above them

Word History and Origins

Origin of spandrel¹

1470–80; earlier spaundrell, probably < Anglo-French spaundre, itself perhaps cognate with Old French espandre to expand

Word History and Origins

Origin of spandrel¹

C15 spaundrell, from Anglo-French spaundre spandrel, from Old French spandre to spread, expand

Example Sentences

Its boxlike modernistic style is defined by recessed spandrels, unadorned vertical piers, gently set back parapet pillars, and a vocabulary of French Art Deco and Celtic ornament at both base and crown.

From Seattle Times

It also uses an open form called a spandrel arch, which doesn’t fill in the space between the round arch shape below and roadway above.

From Washington Post

The discs also echo the little-noticed medallion portraits of artists — Dürer, Velázquez, Raphael and the boys — in the spandrels of the Met facade’s three arches.

From New York Times

His artisans cut and carved it; they dressed slim pillars in it and giant domes; they shoved it in squinches and let it unfurl over the spandrels of arches.

From New York Times

Everything about Lever House feels open, light, exuberant, with those colorful spandrels of blue-green glass and thin stainless fittings.

From New York Times