Arabesque  Ornament or surface decoration with intricate curves and flowing lines based on plant forms.

Beam The horizontal stone or timber placed across an architectural space to take the weight of the

roof or wall above; also called a lintel.

Arch  A curved structure designed to span an opening, usually made of stone or other masonry. Roman arches are semicircular; Islamic and Gothic arches come to a point at the top.

Armature  A rigid framework serving as a supporting inner core for clay or other soft sculpting material.

Assemblage  Sculpture using preexisting, sometimes "found" objects that may or may not contribute their original identities to the total content of the work.

Wash  A thin, transparent layer of paint or ink.