definition
strict definition
dome
A roof curved more or less evenly on all sides with a circular or oval curve, rising to an approximate peak.
Pictured: Texas State Capitol
A domed roof is curved more or less evenly on all sides, with the outline of the curve forming a circle or oval. The dome must rise to an approximate peak, as opposed to flattening out in the middle. It can also support a cupola or other projecting ornamentation at its peak.
The roof must rise toward a peak; a flat central plateau is excluded. A cupola or other projecting ornament can stand at that peak.
A bowed roof curves in one direction and is classified separately. Domes retain the curvature on all sides described here.
dome Photos
Related definitions
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angled mansard
A flat central roof bounded by slopes that bend downward to become steeper toward the edges. -
bowed roof
A roof formed by arches, vaults, or other convex surfaces curved in one direction, excluding domes. -
cross-ridged roof
A roof with at least two ridges forming an intersection or fork, including T-shaped intersections. -
curved mansard
A flat central roof bounded by convex curved slopes that generally grow steeper toward the edges. -
flat roof
A roof with no slope greater than 10 degrees or major projecting features, allowing small parapets, vents, skylights, and chimneys. -
flat roof with box(es)
A roof without any major slope, and with at least one box-like penthouse structure. -
gabled roof
A roof which slopes evenly in two directions from a central ridgeline, forming two flat gabled sides at opposite ends. -
hipped roof
A roof with four or more uneven sides which slope up to a connecting ridgeline. -
irregular roof
An uncommon roof form that does not approximate another defined type, beyond small deviations from those types. -
no roof
A partly enclosed built object whose interior has no roof or roof-like shelter, excluding objects with retractable roofs. -
open framework
An open framework of several beams large enough to dominate the entire roof of a building. -
parallel-ridged roof
A roof folded into multiple ridges that neither intersect nor form one continuous straight or bent line. -
pyramid
A roof with three or four sloping sides meeting at a single point, sometimes classified as a spire when very tall and narrow. -
roof with towers
A complex roof dominated by one or more prominent towers, turrets, or other projecting peaks. -
sloped roof
A roof dominated by a straight slope in one direction, at least 10 degrees from horizontal. -
tapered roof
A pointed, cone-like roof with more than four sides or a curved plan, possibly carrying a small ornament at its peak. -
terraced roof
A building top whose roof is distributed over successive large steps or terraces on one or more sides. -
ziggurat
A square or rectangular roof with at least two closely spaced, nearly centered setbacks forming a stepped pyramid.