clef

English translation: keystone

15:38 Jun 20, 2000
French to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering
French term or phrase: clef
In the phrase "les clefs d'epistyles" I do not feel like the literal translation "key" is correct here. I want to put something like "keystone" and yet the full translation of this would be "clef de voute". Could perhaps "save stone" fit?
Helen
English translation:keystone
Explanation:
Yes, the word "keystone" would be correct. The expression "clef de voute", according to my Harrap dictionary, can also be shortened to "clef" when it is obvious what is meant. So if the context tells you that what they are talking about are keystones, it is fine to use that word even if "de voute" is omitted.
Selected response from:

Louise Atfield
Grading comment
Thank you for your reply. I have since checked in Forbes, J.R "Dictionary of architecture and construction" which uses the term "key" or "keystone".
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
nakeystone, crown, crown of arch, centre voussoir
geo1mar2
nakeystone
Toña Morales-Calkins
nakeystone
Louise Atfield


  

Answers


1 hr
keystone, crown, crown of arch, centre voussoir


Explanation:
these are all translations for clef de voute, which is about synonymous. I would go for crown, as this is the most general term.

geo1mar2
Local time: 21:31
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish, Native in FrenchFrench, Native in DutchDutch
PRO pts in pair: 22
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4 hrs
keystone


Explanation:
This would be my choice.

Toña Morales-Calkins
United States
Local time: 18:31
PRO pts in pair: 6
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1 day 15 hrs
keystone


Explanation:
Yes, the word "keystone" would be correct. The expression "clef de voute", according to my Harrap dictionary, can also be shortened to "clef" when it is obvious what is meant. So if the context tells you that what they are talking about are keystones, it is fine to use that word even if "de voute" is omitted.

Louise Atfield
PRO pts in pair: 300
Grading comment
Thank you for your reply. I have since checked in Forbes, J.R "Dictionary of architecture and construction" which uses the term "key" or "keystone".
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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