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cuspidation

cuspidation

9.9
A decorative pattern of small pointed shapes in arches or windows
  • noun
  • /ˌkʌspɪˈdeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cuspidación
  • Medieval artisans often incorporated cuspidation into church arches and moldings.

Examples

  • The Gothic cathedral's windows are notable for their elaborate cuspidation.

  • The architect explained that the repeated cuspidation provided both form and symbolic meaning to the design.

  • The cuspidation on the cathedral is stunning.

  • Can you see the cuspidation on the building?

  • Medieval artisans often incorporated cuspidation into church arches and moldings.

  • The Gothic cathedral's windows are notable for their elaborate cuspidation.

  • The architect explained that the repeated cuspidation provided both form and symbolic meaning to the design.

Synonyms

design
vscuspidation
422 3.3

A pattern or picture used to decorate a surface

is a specific ornamental form with pointed projections used in architecture

Surface Forms

cuspidation singular
cuspidations plural

Morphology

cuspidation = cuspid (semi-transparent) = cuspid + ation

Formed by a regular noun-forming suffix '-ation' on 'cuspid', so the structural relation is predictable, but the term is technical and uncommon for average learners.

Etymology

Cuspidation comes from the Latin cuspis, meaning 'point' or 'spear'. Think of the common word cusp, a sharp point; so cuspidation means using those pointed shapes as decoration in buildings and design.