ogival

Ogival is an adjective used to describe a shape or curve that resembles an ogive, most often the pointed arch associated with Gothic architecture. The term is commonly linked to the specific construction of a pointed arch formed by the intersection of two circular arcs, creating a sharp apex. In broader usage, ogival can refer to anything having a similarly pointed, tapered form.

In architectural contexts, ogival arches are a hallmark of Gothic and Neo-Gothic design. They contribute to a vertical emphasis and can help distribute weight more efficiently than a rounded arch, allowing for taller openings and larger windows. The ogival silhouette—an unmistakable pointed peak—defines many doorways, windows, vaults, and bays across medieval churches and cathedrals, as well as later revival styles.

Outside architecture, ogival also appears in descriptions of other curved profiles that imitate the same pointed form. In ballistics, for example, the term ogive (the noun form) denotes the curved profile of a projectile’s nose, a design intended to improve aerodynamic performance. The broader usage of ogival thus spans both geometric shape descriptions and various applications where a pointed, arch-like curve is desirable.

Etymology traces ogival to Old French ogive, with subsequent adoption into architectural and technical vocabulary. The exact linguistic lineage can be complex, but the term has long conveyed the sense of a distinctly pointed, arched contour.