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Glite Dictionary
lacunar

lacunar

1 9.9
A small sunken panel in a ceiling that often has paintings or carvings
  • noun
  • /ləˈkjuːnər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lacunario

Examples

  • Lacunar amnesia is a condition in which memory loss is localized and patchy.

    While You Were Sleeping (1995)

  • This new species of Acanthocephala is characterized by a spinous, slender body with a reticular lacunar system.

    Academic text (2015)

  • The type of stroke was classified according to the type of neurological deficit as lacunar (presence of unilateral pure motor, sensory, or sensory-motor deficit for more than 24 hours) or non-lacunar syndrome.

    Academic text (1995)

  • The ancient church featured beautifully crafted lacunar panels on its ceiling, adding to the overall elegance of the interior.

  • The ballroom was adorned with lacunar designs that impressed all the guests during the grand event.

  • As I looked up at the ceiling, I admired the intricate lacunar work that gave the room a unique character.

Synonyms

coffer
vslacunar
  • Specialized
1 9.7

A sunken panel in a ceiling used as decoration

is narrower in stressing ornate appearance rather than general decorative use
caisson
vslacunar
  • Specialized
9.9

A sunken decorative panel in a ceiling or dome

is more focused on ornate design than on a specific architectural style

Surface Forms

lacunar singular
lacunars plural

Morphology

lacunar = lacuna (semi-transparent) = lacuna + ar

The relation to 'lacuna' (a hollow or gap) is clear, but the specialized architectural sense 'sunken decorative panel' is relatively rare and domain-specific.

Etymology

The word lacunar comes from the Latin lacuna, meaning 'gap' or 'hollow', and you can also see the related English word lacuna ('a missing part'). Think of a small hollow or sunken panel in a ceiling, and that is why a lacunar is a decorative recessed panel.