Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pendentive
Pen-den′tive
(pĕn-dĕnt′ĭv)
, Noun.
[F.
pendentif
, fr. L. pendere
to hang.] (Arch.)
(a)
The portion of a vault by means of which the square space in the middle of a building is brought to an octagon or circle to receive a cupola.
(b)
The part of a groined vault which is supported by, and springs from, one pier or corbel.