architecture

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/ˈstrɪŋkɔːrsɪz/

A thin projecting course of brickwork or stone that runs horizontally around a building, typically to emphasize the junction between floors.

"The architect added stringcourses of white stone between each story of the building, giving it a more elegant and defined appearance. "

metropolitanadjective

/mɛtɹəˈpɒlɪtən/ /mɛtɹɵˈpɑlɨtən/

Of, or pertaining to, a metropolis or other large urban settlement.

"The metropolitan area's large schools had many students. "

nestsnoun

/nɛsts/

A retreat, or place of habitual resort.

"After a long day at work, my favorite armchair in the living room becomes one of my favorite nests. "

scotchverb

/skɒtʃ/ /skɑtʃ/

To dress (stone) with a pick or pointed instrument.

"The stonemason carefully scotched the rough edges of the large stone before fitting it into the wall. "

frescosnoun

/ˈfreskoʊz/

An artwork made by applying water-based pigment to wet or fresh lime mortar or plaster.

"The museum displayed several beautiful frescos depicting scenes from ancient Roman life. "

dressingsnoun

/ˈdrɛsɪŋz/

An ornamental finish, such as a moulding around doors, windows, or on a ceiling.

"The new house had simple dressings around the windows, giving it a clean and modern look. "

cordnoun

/kɔːd/ /kɔɹd/

A horizontal member of a truss.

"The roof's truss system relies on strong wooden cords to support the weight of the roof. "

vicinoun

/ˈviːsiː/

A small civilian settlement outside a Roman fort.

"The archaeologist carefully excavated the vici outside the Roman fort, hoping to uncover everyday objects from the lives of the soldiers' families and local traders who lived there. "

curbedverb

/kɜːrbd/ /kɝbd/

To furnish with a curb, as a well; to restrain by a curb, as a bank of earth.

"The city curbed the riverbank with stones to prevent erosion. "

arthousesnoun

/ˈɑːrθaʊsɪz/ /ˈɑːrθaʊzɪz/

A building or gallery in which works of art are collected, displayed, and offered for sale.

""My aunt loves visiting arthouses to admire and sometimes buy original paintings." "

hulkingnoun

/ˈhʌlkɪŋ/

A kind of sloping embankment used as a coastal defence.

"The small coastal village relied on the hulking of earth and stone to protect their homes from the relentless winter storms. "

lightboxesnoun

/ˈlaɪtˌbɒksɪz/ /ˈlaɪtˌbɑːksɪz/

A backbox.

"The artist used lightboxes to trace her drawings, making the lines brighter and clearer. "

caponiernoun

/ˌkæpəˈnɪər/ /ˌkæpəˈnɪɚ/

A type of fortification structure which allows firing along the bottom of a dry moat that surrounds the main fortress.

"Soldiers in the caponier could fire directly into the dry moat, preventing any enemy from scaling the fortress walls unseen. "

stylobatenoun

/ˈstaɪləˌbeɪt/

The top step of the crepidoma, i.e. the platform upon which the superstructure of the building is erected.

"The columns of the ancient Greek temple rested firmly on the stylobate. "

salenoun

/seɪl/

A hall.

"The school's annual art fair was held in the main sale. "

leatsnoun

/liːts/

An artificial watercourse, canal or aqueduct, but especially a millrace

"The old mill relied on the leats to carry water to the grinding stones. "

ribnoun

/ɹɪb/

A long, narrow, usually arched member projecting from the surface of a structure, especially such a member separating the webs of a vault

"The architect carefully placed the stone ribs to support the vaulted ceiling of the school's new library. "

scuttlenoun

/ˈskʌtəl/

A small hatch or opening in a boat. Also, small opening in a boat or ship for draining water from open deck.

"The sailboat's small scuttle allowed the crew to quickly drain water from the deck. "

urnnoun

/ɜːn/ /ɝn/

A vase with a footed base.

"The grandmother carefully placed the delicate flowers in the beautiful urn on the table. "

charringverb

/ˈtʃɑːrɪŋ/ /ˈtʃærɪŋ/

To work or hew (stone, etc.).

"The sculptor spent hours charring the granite block to create the rough shape of the statue. "