Spaltenkopf

Spaltenkopf is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in the German language. The most common literal translation of "Spaltenkopf" is "column head" or "split head."

In architecture and construction, "Spaltenkopf" can denote the capital of a column, the topmost part of a column that flares out to support the entablature. It's the decorative and structural element that transitions from the shaft of the column to the load-bearing structure above.

In the context of printing and typography, "Spaltenkopf" can refer to a running head or a page header, particularly in multi-column layouts. This element typically contains the title of the document or section, appearing at the top of each page or column.

The term might also appear in specialized fields, such as geology or engineering, to describe a specific geological formation or a component of a machine that has a split or divided top. Without further context, the precise meaning of "Spaltenkopf" depends heavily on the discipline in which it is used.