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ogive

ogive, pointed arch; warhead

noun oh-ZHEEV Rare

Usage Note

Ogive has two main domains: in architecture it denotes the pointed arch or ribbed vault characteristic of Gothic cathedrals; in military/aerospace it denotes the cone-shaped tip of a missile or rocket. The adjective is ogival (m) / ogivale (f). The Gothic arch sense is the one encountered in art history contexts.

Examples

"Les ogives de la cathédrale s'élancent vers le ciel."

Natural Translation

The pointed arches of the cathedral soar toward the sky.

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