Glossary - O

Published: January 1, 2025

OCULUS. A round window.

OFUNDO. (isiZulu). Back point on the plan of a hemispherical Zulu dwelling.

OGEE MOULDING. See under CYMA RECTA.

OGIVE. French name for a pointed arch. (Afrikaans: ojief).

OJIEF. (Afrikaans). See under OGIVE.

OMGEKEERDE OJIEF. (Afrikaans). See under DADO.

OMNYANGO. (isiZulu). The front point on the plan of a hemispherical Zulu dwelling.

OOP VOETLYSPEDIMENT. (Afrikaans). See under OPEN BED PEDIMENT.

OPEN-BED PEDIMENT. A pediment with a gap in the base moulding. (Afrikaans: oop voetlyspediment).

OPSTAL. (Afrikaans). See under HOMESTEAD.

ORIEL. Originally signified “a little place for prayer”, but more recently has come to mean a projecting upper storey window. (Afrikaans: balkonerker).

OUTSHUT. Extension to a domestic structure made from below its eaves. Its roofing usually involves the use of an afdak, catslide or lean-to system. (Afrikaans: afdakkamer).

OX-DRAWN WAGON. Also called a Voortrekker Wagon. See under KAKEBEENWA.