| Term | Definition |
| Pointed arch | unlike the Romanesque round arch, single most recognizable feature in Gothic architecture, arches on every level |
| Ribbed vault | a groin vault with stone ribbing, ribbing to more elaborate later on |
| Buttress | stone support on the wall that needs support, helped support building walls or protective walls, often decorated with ornamentation |
| Flying buttresses | architectural support structures built against a wallt to keep it from falling down |
| Vertical emphasis | high & skinny for 3 reasons- because the could, symbol of prayer to god, and shows wealth and power |
| Light | architects flooded their buildings with light, made possible by the ribbed architecture & the pointed arches which made walls lighter |
| Rose windows | round stained glass windows, borrowed from the Roman oculus, let in more light= closer to God |
| Stained glass windows | told stories from the Bible, were sermons in glass to those who could not read, ex. "The Last Supper" |
| Tracery | interlacing carved stone ribs, usually found in doorways, windows, spires, ceilings, and stairways, gave effect of lace in stone, outside |
| Spires | sharply pointed & sometimes constructed of tracery, always visible from afar |
| Sculptural detail | extensive & elaborate, Romanesque had plainer walls, gothic abounds with sculptural detail, ex. "The Three Kings" |
| Gargoyles | from French word gargouille which means "throat", carved stone gutter with a spurt designed to convey water from a roof & away from the side of the building |