Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
lancet arch

lancet arch

9.9
A tall narrow pointed arch common in early Gothic churches
  • noun
  • /ˈlæn.sɪt ɑːrtʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arco lancetado
  • The cathedral's windows are topped with beautiful lancet arches that draw the eyes upward.

Examples

  • The restoration work carefully preserved each original lancet arch in the ancient abbey.

  • Many buildings from the early Gothic period feature the distinctive lancet arch in their doorways.

  • The cathedral features a stunning lancet arch.

  • Many churches in England have lancet arches.

  • Many buildings from the early Gothic period feature the distinctive lancet arch in their doorways.

  • The cathedral's windows are topped with beautiful lancet arches that draw the eyes upward.

  • The restoration work carefully preserved each original lancet arch in the ancient abbey.

Synonyms

lancet
vslancet arch
  • Specialized
5 9.3

A tall narrow arch with a sharp point used in Gothic churches

is the identical term but uses slightly different wording for the same idea
pointed arch
vslancet arch
  • Specialized
1 6.8

An arch with a pointed top used in old churches in Europe

is narrower describing tall slim forms rather than any pointed apex
Gothic arch
vslancet arch
  • Specialized
7.4

A stone arch with a pointed top often seen in cathedrals

focuses on tall narrow form rather than construction detail at the apex

How Pointed

lancet arch
  • Specialized
9.9
pointed arch
  • Specialized
1 6.8
round arch
  • Specialized
4.1
segmental arch
  • Specialized
7.4
flat arch
  • Specialized
7.9

Surface Forms

lancet arch singular
lancet arches plural

Morphology

lancet + arch

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from the constituents: 'lancet' denotes an acutely pointed form associated with Gothic architecture and 'arch' denotes an arched construction, so a 'lancet arch' is simply an arch with a lancet (pointed, tall, narrow) shape. This kind of noun‑noun/type‑of construction is compositional and cross‑linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Lancet arch The name lancet arch comes from lancet, a word for a small 'spear' or sharp blade, because the arch is very narrow and ends in a sharp point like a spear tip. So a lancet arch means a tall, thin arch that comes to a point.