cul-de-four

noun

¦kəldə̇¦fu̇(ə)r also ¦ku̇l-,

F kᵫ̅dfüür

plural culs-de-four

"

1

: a vault shaped like a quarter sphere or like a hemisphere

2

: vault compare semidome

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, bottom of an oven

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now