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

Dictionary Entries Near cul-de-four

Cite this Entry

“Cul-de-four.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cul-de-four. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!