Spandrel
Noun
The space that is located between two arches or an arch and a rectangular structure.
The artist painted a mural on the spandrel above the arch.

Often appears as...
- arch spandrel
- decorative spandrel
Usage tips
Neutral
arch, archway, decorative
Noun
A characteristic that is a byproduct of the evolution of another trait, not directly selected for.
The ability to speak is a spandrel of our highly developed cognitive abilities.

Often appears as...
- spandrel traits
- biological spandrel
Usage tips
Neutral
trait, byproduct, evolution
Noun
The space that is located between two arches or an arch and a rectangular structure.
The artist painted a mural on the spandrel above the arch.

Often appears as...
- arch spandrel
- decorative spandrel
Usage tips
Neutral
arch, archway, decorative
Noun
A characteristic that is a byproduct of the evolution of another trait, not directly selected for.
The ability to speak is a spandrel of our highly developed cognitive abilities.

Often appears as...
- spandrel traits
- biological spandrel
Usage tips
Neutral
trait, byproduct, evolution
Definition 1 of 2

Architecture
In architecture, spandrels can play a decorative role or serve a functional purpose.
The spandrel can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building.
Evolutionary Biology
In evolutionary terms, spandrels serve to illustrate how some traits can occur as byproducts.
Understanding these concepts can help clarify discussions in biology.
Historical Context
The use of spandrels is prominent in classical architecture, revealing cultural aesthetics.
Spandrels in historical buildings may represent the architectural style of the era.
Architecture
In architecture, spandrels can play a decorative role or serve a functional purpose.
The spandrel can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building.
Evolutionary Biology
In evolutionary terms, spandrels serve to illustrate how some traits can occur as byproducts.
Understanding these concepts can help clarify discussions in biology.
Historical Context
The use of spandrels is prominent in classical architecture, revealing cultural aesthetics.
Spandrels in historical buildings may represent the architectural style of the era.
Architecture
In architecture, spandrels can play a decorative role or serve a functional purpose.
The spandrel can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building.
Evolutionary Biology
In evolutionary terms, spandrels serve to illustrate how some traits can occur as byproducts.
Understanding these concepts can help clarify discussions in biology.
Historical Context
The use of spandrels is prominent in classical architecture, revealing cultural aesthetics.
Spandrels in historical buildings may represent the architectural style of the era.
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