spandrel

span·drel

noun \ˈspan-drəl\

Definition of SPANDREL

1

: the sometimes ornamented space between the right or left exterior curve of an arch and an enclosing right angle

2

: the triangular space beneath the string of a stair

Variants of SPANDREL

span·drel also span·dril \ˈspan-drəl\

Illustration of SPANDREL

Origin of SPANDREL

Middle English spandrell, from Anglo-French spaunder, from espandre to spread out — more at spawn

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with SPANDREL

mandrel, mandrill