noun an area between two supports in a bridge or other structure
In psychology, the concept of spandrels has been used metaphorically to describe non-adaptive traits or behaviors that arise as byproducts of other psychological mechanisms.
In architecture, a spandrel is the space between a curved arch and a rectangular frame, often filled with decorative elements.
In evolutionary biology, a spandrel refers to a non-adaptive byproduct of the evolution of a particular trait.
In art history, a spandrel can refer to the triangular space between the curve of an arch and a rectangular frame, often used for decorative purposes.
In the field of architecture, writers may use the term 'spandrel' to refer to the roughly triangular space between the top of an arch and a rectangular frame.
Psychologists may use the concept of 'spandrels' in evolutionary psychology to describe traits that are byproducts of the evolution of other traits, rather than adaptations themselves.
Biologists may refer to 'spandrels' in the context of evolutionary biology to describe non-adaptive traits that have persisted due to being linked to adaptive traits.
Art historians may use the term 'spandrel' to describe the space between the curves of an arch in architectural art and its decorative elements.