noun
- curved triangular sections of masonry that support a dome over a square or polygonal base
Usage: architecture
Examples
- The Byzantine architects used pendentives to transition from the square base to the circular dome.
- Four pendentives supported the massive dome of the cathedral.
- The pendentives were decorated with intricate mosaics depicting angels.
- Engineers carefully calculated the stress distribution across the pendentives.
- The church’s pendentives allowed for larger windows in the walls below.
- Restoration work focused on repairing cracks in the ancient pendentives.