VAULT

Vault

A Vault is an architectural term for an arched form used to provide a space with a ceiling or roof. The parts of a vault exert lateral thrust that require a counter resistance. When vaults are built underground, the ground gives all the resistance required. However, when the vault is built above ground, various replacements are employed to supply the needed resistance. An example is the thicker walls used in the case of barrel or continuous vaults. Buttresses are used to supply resistance when intersecting vaults are employed.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Vault (architecture)
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vault

Noun

  1. An arched structure of masonry, forming a ceiling or canopy.
  2. A structure resembling a vault, especially that formed by the sky.
  3. A secure, enclosed area, especially an underground room used for burial, or to store valuables, wine etc.
    The bank kept their money safe in a large vault.
    Family members had been buried in the vault for centuries.

Noun (etymology 2)

  1. An act of vaulting; a leap or jump.
  2. An event in gymanstics performed on a vaulting horse.

Verb

  1. To build as, or cover with a vault.

Verb (etymology 2)

  1. To jump or leap over.
    The fugitive vaulted over the fence to escape.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: vault
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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