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Glite Dictionary
trefoil arch

trefoil arch

9.9
A pointed arch with three round parts that looks like a cloverleaf
  • noun
  • /ˈtrɛfɔɪl ɑrtʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arco de trébol
  • The cathedral features a stunning trefoil arch above the main entrance.

Examples

  • Many Gothic cathedrals feature the trefoil arch in their windows and doorways.

  • The restoration preserved the original trefoil arch above the altar.

  • The entrance to the chapel is marked by a beautiful trefoil arch.

  • Many Gothic churches utilize the trefoil arch in their designs.

  • The entrance to the chapel is marked by a beautiful trefoil arch.

  • The restoration preserved the original trefoil arch above the altar.

  • Many Gothic cathedrals feature the trefoil arch in their windows and doorways.

Surface Forms

trefoil arch singular
trefoil arches plural

Morphology

trefoil + arch

The phrase is compositional: an 'arch' that has a 'trefoil' (three-lobed/cloverleaf) motif, so the overall meaning — a pointed arch with three rounded lobes — is directly derivable from the constituents. This follows a regular noun+noun compounding pattern and is cross-linguistically transparent for learners familiar with the component words.

Etymology

Trefoil arch comes from its shape: trefoil means 'three leaves' and the curved arch has three rounded parts like a 'clover'. So it refers to an arch that looks like a three-leaf clover, often seen in old church windows.