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Glite Dictionary
horseshoe arch

horseshoe arch

8.1
An arch with a rounded top that curves wider than a half circle
  • noun
  • /ˈhɔrʃuː ɑːrtʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arco de herradura
  • Many historic buildings feature a horseshoe arch, which adds a unique touch to their overall design and elegance.

Examples

  • Visitors marveled at the beautiful horseshoe arch that adorned the ancient palace, demonstrating the intricate craftsmanship of its builders.

  • Irwin went back into the cave, walking P119 between a pair of pillars under a horseshoe arch into the cool central hall or chapel.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • There are horseshoe arches.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • These are a mix of Roman and Byzantine columns, obviously removed from ancient buildings and supporting Islamic horseshoe arches.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The grand horseshoe arch at the entrance of the mosque is a stunning example of Moorish architecture.

Synonyms

arch
vshorseshoe arch
41 3.5

A curved structure that spans an opening and supports weight

is a specific curved form extending wider than a semicircle and seen in Moorish architecture
archway
vshorseshoe arch
16 4.0

A curved opening people walk through, often made of stone or brick

focuses on the curved form rather than the passage below
Moorish arch
vshorseshoe arch
  • Specialized
9.4

An arch wider at the bottom that curves to a rounded top and appears in Islamic buildings

focuses on a curve extending wider than a semicircle rather than on cultural origin

How Curved

horseshoe arch
  • Specialized
8.1
semicircular arch
  • Specialized
5.8
segmental arch
  • Specialized
7.4
camber arch
  • Specialized
8.9
flat arch
  • Specialized
7.9

Surface Forms

horseshoe arch singular
horseshoe arches plural

Morphology

horseshoe + arch

The compound literally combines 'horseshoe' (a U-shaped object) and 'arch' (an arched construction) to denote an arch shaped like a horseshoe, so the meaning is directly inferable from the constituents. This is a straightforward noun–noun compositional pattern common across languages and registers, so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily understand the term.

Etymology

Horseshoe arch is named for its curved top that spreads out wider than half a circle and looks like a horseshoe. So the name points to the arch's wide 'U-shape' and helps you recognize this style above doors and windows.