[pen-den-tiv] 
| 1. | any of several spandrels, in the form of spherical triangles, forming a transition between the circular plan of a dome and the polygonal plan of the supporting masonry. |
| 2. | any of several masonry devices, as squinches or trompes, for forming a transition between a circular or polygonal construction, as a dome or lantern, and supporting masonry of a different plan. |
| 3. | functioning as, or substituting for, a pendentive: pendentive corbeling. |
pen·den·tive (pěn-děn'tĭv)  (click for larger image in new window) n. Architecture A triangular section of vaulting between the rim of a dome and each adjacent pair of the arches that support it. [French pendentif, from Latin pendēns, pendent-, hanging, present participle of pendēre, to hang; see (s)pen- in Indo-European roots.] |
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