keystone [′kē‚stōn]
Keystone
(architecture)
Wedge-shaped stone at the crown of an arch.
(materials)
Small crushed stone used as filler for the large aggregate in bituminous bound roads.
keystone, key block
keystone, 1: K
1. The central voussoir of an arch, which is often embellished; until the keystone is in place, no true arch action takes
Keystone
in architecture, the stone or brick, usually wedge-shaped, at the top of an arch or vault. Its function is usually accentuated by ornamental patterns and carvings. A decorative keystone often adorns the flat lintel over the apertures of doors or windows. [9–963–l]
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