What does ancone mean?
An ancone is a stone or bracket that projects from a wall and supports the springing of an arch, typically over a doorway or window. In classical architecture, the arch does not simply float: it must rest on firm supports at each end, and the ancone serves as one of these supports, transferring the arch's weight into the wall below. The word derives from the Greek ankōn, meaning 'elbow' or 'bend', a fitting origin since the point where an arch meets its support is precisely where the curve 'bends' into the straight structure beneath it. The same Greek root gives us the anatomical terms ancon and anconeus, which refer to the elbow and the small muscle attached to it. Today ancone survives almost exclusively in architectural writing, glossaries, and discussions of historic buildings, making it a specialist term rather than part of everyday vocabulary.
nounA stone or bracket projecting from a wall to support an arch, especially one springing over a doorway or window; in architecture, one of the imposts or corbels from which an arch springs.
- A stone or bracket supporting the springing of an arch over a door or window.
"The carved ancones above the doorway support a graceful segmental arch."
"Each window was framed by pilasters and crowned with an arch resting on carved ancones."
"The mason set the ancone carefully so the arch would spring true from its impost."
Arches typically rest on two ancones, one on either side, so the plural is common in practice.
"Both ancones were carved from the same block of limestone."
This obscure architectural word takes its name from the Greek for 'elbow' — because an arch 'bends' at its supporting stone just as your arm bends at the elbow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ancone
Ancone comes from the Greek ankōn, meaning 'elbow' or the bend of the arm. The term entered English through architectural usage, where the bend of an arch at its support was likened to the bend of the elbow. The same Greek root produced the anatomical terms ancon (the elbow itself) and anconeus (the muscle of the elbow), making these close cognates within English.
How ancone is actually used
Ancone is a rare, technical term found mainly in architectural history and glossaries of classical building; it is not used in everyday speech.
Easily confused with ancone
Ancon is an obsolete anatomical term for the elbow, while ancone is an architectural feature that supports an arch.
An anchor is a device that moors a ship, whereas an ancone is a masonry bracket supporting an arch; they merely share a similar-sounding name.