An ornamental design or architectural element featuring eight lobes or pointed sections arranged in a circle, like eight petals of a flower.
From 'eight' plus 'foil', derived from Latin 'folium' (leaf). Used in medieval and Renaissance architecture to describe decorative patterns with eight-fold symmetry.
You'll see eightfoils in Gothic cathedrals and Islamic geometric designs—the number eight has special significance in many cultures, and the eightfoil is nature's way of being architecturally ambitious!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.