Word Study
pendentive
CIDE DICTIONARY
pendentive, n. [F. pendentif, fr. L. pendere to hang.].
The portion of a vault by means of which the square space in the middle of a building is brought to an octagon or circle to receive a cupola. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
pendentive, n. Archit. a curved triangle of vaulting formed by the intersection of a dome with its supporting arches.
Etymology
F pendentif -ive (adj.) (as PENDANT)
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