skene arch
- noun
- Specialized
:
arco de esquena
- The ancient theater featured a prominent skene arch.
Examples
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The architect recommended a skene arch to achieve both stability and aesthetic appeal in the facade.
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Many skene arches can be found in Greek architecture.
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A skene arch is particularly effective for allowing light and open space in a building's design.
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The old bridge was constructed using several skene arches to span the wide river.
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The architect designed a skene arch that maximizes both light and openness in the entrance area of the building.
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In many theaters, a skene arch is used to create a visually appealing backdrop for performances.
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The new library boasts a skene arch that enhances its modern design while providing structural support.
Synonyms
An arch whose height is less than half its width
A low arch that is less than half as high as it is wide
An arch that is less than half as tall as it is wide
Surface Forms
Morphology
A learner who knows 'skene' (a stage building for scenery/costumes) and 'arch' (an arched construction) can infer this refers to an arch associated with a skene or stage, so the basic referential relation is predictable. However, the precise technical criterion—an arch whose height is less than half its width—is specialist knowledge not derivable from the constituents, making the term only partially transparent.
Etymology
Skene arch may come from the old Greek word skene, which meant a 'tent' or a 'stage'. Picture a low, wide arch like the flat opening of a stage or tent, and that image shows why a skene arch is an arch much wider than it is tall.
