|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
stonework
stonework term applied to various types of work—that of the lapidary who shapes, cuts, and polishes gemstones or engraves them for seals and ornaments; of the jeweler or artisan who mounts or encrusts them in gold, silver, or other metal; of the stonemason who executes the plan of architect or engineer for wall, pier, vault, bridge, or dam; of the carver who chisels bas-relief, intaglio, or freestanding figure, using a pointing machine for accuracy; and of the printer at his imposing stone. The term stonework is most frequently used to refer to the craft of masonry, as old as civilization and still widely used. Of Roman masonry buildings, some aqueducts, arches, basilicas, and baths still remain. Masonry is classified according to finish, rubble being of rough-quarried or field stone and ashlar of dressed stone. It may be laid without mortar (and is then called dry, or Cyclopean) or with mortar to bind the stones closely together, the outside finish of such joints being called pointing. Stonemasonry may be of hard materials, such as granite, bluestone, or marble, requiring full finish before laying, or of softer varieties, such as brownstone, laid with rough exterior, the decoration being carved afterward. The pyramids (see pyramid ) and the sphinx of Egypt are among the world's greatest masterpieces of stonework. |
|
|
Cite this article
"stonework." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "stonework." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-stonewrk.html "stonework." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-stonewrk.html |
|
stonework
stone·work / ˈstōnˌwərk/ • n. the parts of a building that are made of stone. ∎ the work of a mason: a masterpiece of clever stonework. DERIVATIVES: stone·work·er n. |
|
|
Cite this article
"stonework." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "stonework." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-stonework.html "stonework." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-stonework.html |
|
stonework
stonework
•berk, berserk, Burke, cirque, dirk, Dunkirk, erk, irk, jerk, kirk, lurk, mirk, murk, outwork, perk, quirk, shirk, smirk, stirk, Turk, work
•Selkirk • Falkirk • Atatürk
•patchwork • handwork • waxwork
•artwork, part-work
•craftwork • headwork • legwork
•metalwork • guesswork
•fretwork, network
•breastwork • daywork • spadework
•framework • brainwork
•casework, lacework
•paintwork • beadwork • fieldwork
•needlework • teamwork • piecework
•brickwork • handiwork • bodywork
•basketwork • donkeywork • telework
•clockwork • knotwork • formwork
•coursework • falsework
•groundwork • housework
•coachwork • roadwork • homework
•stonework • woodwork • bookwork
•footwork • brushwork • firework
•ironwork • underwork • wickerwork
•paperwork • openwork • camerawork
•masterwork, plasterwork
•earthwork
|
|
|
Cite this article
"stonework." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "stonework." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-stonework.html "stonework." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-stonework.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
