Spandrel vs. Stair

Spandrelnoun

(architecture) The space (often more or less triangular) between the outer curve of an arch (the extrados) and a straight-sided figure that bounds it; the space between two contiguous arches and a straight feature above them.

Stairnoun

A single step in a staircase.

Spandrelnoun

(architecture) Horizontal member between the windows of successive storeys of a tall building.

Stairnoun

A series of steps; a staircase.

Spandrelnoun

(architecture) The triangular space under a stair; the material that fills the space.

Stairnoun

One step of a series for ascending or descending to a different level; - commonly applied to those within a building.

Spandrelnoun

An oriental rug having a pattern of arches; the design in the corners of such a rug, especially in a prayer rug.

Stairnoun

A series of steps, as for passing from one story of a house to another; - commonly used in the plural; but originally used in the singular only.

Spandrelnoun

(evolutionary theory) A phenotypic characteristic that evolved as a side effect of an adaptation in response to evolutionary pressure.

Stairnoun

support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway;

‘he paused on the bottom step’;

Spandrelnoun

The irregular triangular space between the curve of an arch and the inclosing right angle; or the space between the outer moldings of two contiguous arches and a horizontal line above them, or another arch above and inclosing them.

Stairnoun

a set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another, typically inside the building

‘he came up the stairs’;

Spandrelnoun

A narrow mat or passe partout for a picture.

Stairnoun

a single step in a set of stairs

‘the bottom stair’;

Spandrelnoun

an approximately triangular surface area between two adjacent arches and the horizontal plane above them

Spandrel

A spandrel is a roughly triangular space, usually found in pairs, between the top of an arch and a rectangular frame; between the tops of two adjacent arches or one of the four spaces between a circle within a square. They are frequently filled with decorative elements.