VOCABULARY WEEK 6
1. Abutment
əˈbʌtmənt
A structure built to support
the lateral pressure of an
arch or bridge.
“The sturdy abutments of
the ancient bridge have
withstood centuries of
weathering.”
4. Dormer
ˈdɔː.mər
A structural element
projecting from a sloped
roof, usually containing a
window.
“The attic was bright and
airy, thanks to the dormer
that brought in ample natural
light.”
7. Gablet
ˈɡeɪ.blɪt
A small gable or decorative,
typically pointed,
architectural element.
“The architect added gablets
to the design, giving the
building a distinctive and
elegant appearance.”
10. Jamb
dʒæm
The side posts of a doorway
or window frame.
“He leaned against the jamb,
waiting for someone to
answer the door.”
2. Battlement
ˈbæt.əl.mənt
A parapet at the top of a
wall, typically with
alternating high and low
sections, used for defense.
“The medieval castle
featured battlements that
offered strategic vantage
points for archers.”
5. Eaves
iːvz
The lower edge of a roof
that overhangs the wall.
“Rainwater dripped steadily
from the eaves during the
storm.”
8. Haunch
hɔːntʃ
The part of an arch that is
between the impost (top of
the supporting column) and
the crown.
“The keystone was
strategically placed at the
haunch of the arch to ensure
stability.”
11. Keeled
kiːld
Having a central ridge or
resembling the keel of a
ship.
“The architect incorporated
keeled features into the roof
design, giving the building a
3. Crenellation
ˌkrɛn.əˈleɪ.ʃən
The pattern of crenels and
merlons in a battlement,
creating a notched
appearance.
“The skilled masons
carefully crafted the
crenellation to provide both
protection and aesthetic
appeal.”
6. Flaunching
ˈflɔːntʃɪŋ
Mortar or cement used to
seal the base of chimney
pots where they meet the
roof.
“The meticulous
craftsmanship included
properly applied flaunching
to ensure a watertight seal.”
9. Intrados
ˌɪn.trəˈdɒs
The inner curve or surface
of an arch.
“The intricate carvings on
the intrados added a touch of
artistry to the grand
archway.”
12. Lintel
ˈlɪntəl
A horizontal support across
the top of a door or window
opening.
“The ancient stone lintel
displayed intricate carvings
depicting scenes from

13. Mullion
ˈmʌl.jən
A vertical bar between the
panes of glass in a window.
“The mullions in the Tudor-
style windows added a
charming, old-world
character to the building.”
16. Pilaster
pɪˈlæs.tər
A flat, rectangular column
projecting from a wall.
“The façade of the
neoclassical building was
adorned with pilasters,
creating a sense of
grandeur.”
19. Spandrel
ˈspændrəl
The triangular space
between the outer curves of
adjacent arches and the
horizontal line above them.
“The architect incorporated
intricate artwork into the
spandrels, adding a touch of
elegance to the arcade.”
22. Voussior
ˈvuːsɔɪə
A wedge-shaped stone in an
arch, often decorated or
distinctively colored.
“The voussiors in the arch
were meticulously carved
with intricate patterns.”
maritime aesthetic.”
14. Newel
ˈnjuː.əl
The central supporting pillar
or post at the foot or top of a
staircase.
“She gracefully descended
the staircase, gripping the
ornate newel for support.”
17. Quoin
kwɔɪn
A solid, typically
rectangular block of
building material forming
part of an external corner of
a building.
“The use of contrasting
stones for the quoins
accentuated the corners of
the historic structure.”
20. Tracery
ˈtreɪsəri
Decorative stone or wooden
elements forming a
branching or interlaced
pattern in the upper part of a
Gothic window.
“The cathedral's stained
glass windows were
renowned for their elaborate
tracery.”
23. Wimple
ˈwɪmpəl
A sloping capping stone on
the upper surface of a wall.
“Rainwater cascaded
smoothly off the wimple,
preventing damage to the
ancient fortress walls.”
mythology.”
15. Oriel
ˈɔː.ri.əl
A projecting window,
typically on an upper floor,
supported by corbels or
brackets.
“The cozy reading nook was
nestled in the oriel, offering
panoramic views of the
surrounding landscape.”
18. Reticulation
rɪˌtɪkjʊˈleɪʃən
The act of forming a net-like
pattern or structure.
“The artist applied a
technique of reticulation to
the metal, creating a visually
intriguing façade.”
21. Urnula
ˈɜːrnjʊlə
A small, urn-shaped
ornament often found as a
finial or decorative element.
“The garden's gateposts
were crowned with ornate
urnulas, adding a touch of
sophistication.”
24. Xystus
ˈzɪstəs
An ancient Greek covered
portico or colonnade used
for exercise or philosophical
discussion.
“The philosopher conducted
his lectures in the serene
xystus, surrounded by

25. Yaffle
ˈjæfəl
A British dialect term for a
woodpecker.
“He has a yaffle dialect.”
28. Quorum
ˈkwɔː.rəm
The minimum number of
people required to conduct
official business in a
meeting.
“Without a quorum, the
community council couldn't
vote on the proposed
changes to the bylaws.”
31. Syncretism
ˈsɪŋ.krɪ.tɪ.zəm
The amalgamation or
blending of different beliefs,
practices, or cultures.
“The town's rich history
reflected a beautiful
syncretism of indigenous
and immigrant influences.”
34. Nepotism
ˈnɛp.ə.tɪ.zəm
Favoritism shown to family
members or close friends,
especially in granting
positions or jobs.
“Allegations of nepotism
arose when the mayor
appointed several relatives
to key community
positions.”
37. Ostentation
26. Commensality
kəˌmenˈsæl.ɪ.ti
The practice of eating
together, often implying a
sense of community.
“The weekly potluck dinners
fostered a strong sense of
commensality among the
neighborhood residents.”
29. Concordance
kənˈkɔː.dəns
Harmony or agreement
among people, especially in
a group.
“The diverse community
celebrated its concordance,
embracing various cultures
and traditions.”
32. Insularity
ɪnˈsjʊl.ər.ɪ.ti
The state of being isolated
or detached from others; a
tendency to be inward-
looking.
“The insularity of the small
island community was both
a strength and a challenge.”
35. Mutualism
ˌmjuː.tʃuːˈəl.ɪz.əm
The relationship between
two species in which both
benefit from the association.
“The thriving ecosystem
showcased a delicate “The dissonance in opinions
balance of mutualism among within the community
various organisms.” created challenges in
decision-making.”
38. Evanescent
columns and greenery.”
27. Plenum
ˈpliː.nəm
A fully attended meeting or
assembly of all members of
a group.
“The annual general
assembly served as a plenum
where members discussed
key community issues.”
30. Reciprocity
ˌres.ɪˈprɒs.ɪ.ti
Mutual exchange or
cooperation among
individuals or groups.
“The success of the
community garden relied on
the reciprocity of volunteers
sharing their time and
skills.”
33. Omnipresence
ˌɒm.nɪˈprɛs.əns
The quality of being
everywhere at the same
time; widespread presence.
“The omnipresence of
community engagement
initiatives demonstrated the
commitment to inclusivity.”
36. Dissonance
ˈdɪs.ə.nəns
A lack of harmony or
agreement; a harsh and
unpleasant combination of
sounds.
39. Iconoclast
ˌɒs.tənˈteɪ.ʃən
Displaying wealth,
knowledge, or something
else in a way that is meant to
attract attention, admiration,“The evanescent beauty of
or envy.
“The ostentation of the new everyone in awe.”
community center drew
criticism from those who felt
it was unnecessary
extravagance.”
40. Heterogeneity
ˌhet.ə.rə.dʒəˈniː.ə.ti
The quality of being diverse
in character or content.
“The cultural heterogeneity
of the neighborhood
contributed to its vibrant and of the community choir
dynamic atmosphere.”
43. Arcane
ɑːˈkeɪn
Understood by only a few;
mysterious or secret.
“The community was
intrigued by the arcane
rituals performed by a small,
secretive group.”
46. Imperium
ɪmˈpɪə.ri.əm
Supreme power or authority;
domination.
“The struggle for imperium
within the community led to
tensions and power shifts.”
ˌɛv.əˈnɛs.ənt aɪˈkɒn.ə.klæst
Vanishing or likely to vanish A person who criticizes or
like vapor; fleeting. opposes beliefs and
practices that are widely
accepted or traditional.
the sunset over the
community garden left “The community welcomed
the iconoclast who
challenged outdated norms
and sparked important
conversations.”
41. Euphonious 42. Toadyism
juːˈfəʊ.nɪ.əs ˈtəʊ.di.ɪz.əm
Pleasing to the ear; The practice of excessively
characterized by a flattering or ingratiating
harmonious sound. oneself to gain favor.
“The euphonious melodies “The leader grew wary of
the toadyism exhibited by
resonated throughout the some members of the
town.” community council.”
44. Provenance 45. Parochial
ˈprɒv.ə.nəns pəˈrəʊ.ki.əl
The place of origin or Relating to a church parish;
earliest known history of having a limited or narrow
something. outlook.
“Residents were curious “The parochial mindset
about the provenance of the hindered the community
ancient artifact recently from embracing new ideas
discovered in the and innovations.”
community park.”
47. Seraphic 48. Pluripotent
sɪˈræf.ɪk ˌplʊəˈrɪp.ə.tənt
Characterized by high Capable of giving rise to any
spirits; angelic. cell type or (of a stem cell)
capable of giving rise to any
“The seraphic laughter of tissue or organ in the body.
children playing in the
community park echoed “The research center aimed
through the neighborhood.” to harness pluripotent stem
cells for groundbreaking
medical advancements
benefitting the entire

49. Enclave
ˈɛn.kleɪv
A distinct territorial,
cultural, or social unit
enclosed within or as if
within foreign territory.
“The artist's enclave in the
heart of the city became a
haven for creativity and
collaboration.”
community.”
50. Munificence
mjuːˈnɪf.ɪ.səns
The quality or action of
being extremely generous.
“The philanthropist's
munificence transformed the
community, funding
education, healthcare, and
infrastructure projects.”