What does voussoir mean?
A voussoir is a wedge-shaped block of masonry used to build an arch or vault. Because the blocks are fitted side by side, their combined pressure carries the structure's weight toward the arch's supports. Voussoirs are commonly made from stone or brick, and their shape varies according to the radius and curvature of the arch. The block at the highest point of a semicircular arch is the central voussoir, commonly called the keystone. Although the term is specialized and rarely used in everyday speech, it is useful when discussing construction, architectural history, structural engineering, or the conservation of old buildings. In such contexts, it distinguishes the individual masonry units of an arch from the arch as a whole and from its decorative or supporting features.
nounA wedge-shaped block of stone, brick, or other masonry used to construct an arch or vault. Each voussoir fits between adjacent blocks and transmits the arch's load toward its supporting structure.
- A wedge-shaped masonry block forming part of an arch or vault.
"The masons carefully cut each voussoir to fit the curvature of the stone arch."
"Each voussoir was shaped so that its broad outer edge followed the curve of the Romanesque arch."
"Restoration specialists replaced two cracked voussoirs in the historic stone bridge."
The standard plural is voussoirs; it may also refer to a collection of the wedge-shaped blocks forming an arch.
"Several voussoirs were cracked by the impact."
The celebrated keystone at the crown of an arch is simply its central voussoir.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of voussoir
The word entered English from French voussoir, a term for a wedge-shaped stone used in an arch. Its ultimate Latin source is associated with volvere, “to turn,” referring to the turning or shaping of the stone and to the curved form it helps create. The same Latin root underlies words including vault, voluminous, revolution, and volution.
How voussoir is actually used
A specialist term used in architecture, civil engineering, masonry, and conservation. It is uncommon in general conversation but appears in discussions of arches, vaults, bridges, and historic buildings.
Easily confused with voussoir
A voussoir is an individual wedge-shaped block in an arch, whereas a voussure is the curved surface formed by an arch or vault.