Trefoil
From Free net encyclopedia
Architecture
Image:Trefoil-Architectural.png
Trefoil (from Latin trifolium, three-leaved plant, French trèfle, German Dreiblatt and Dreiblattbogen) is a term in Gothic architecture given to the ornamental foliation or cusping introduced in the heads of window-lights, tracery, panellings, etc., in which the center takes the form of a three-lobed leaf (formed from three partially-overlapping circles). One of the earliest examples is in the plate tracery at Winchester (1222 - 1235). The four-fold version of an architectural trefoil is a quatrefoil.
A trefoil combined with an equilateral triangle was also a moderately common symbol of the Christian Trinity during the late middle ages in some parts of Europe. Two forms of this are shown below:
 Outlined |
 Interlaced |
A dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, is sometimes depicted within the outlined form of the trefoil combined with a triangle.
Other meanings
Trefoil is also:
- A common name for some kinds of clover, which have three-foiled leaves.
- In mathematical knot theory, a trefoil refers to a trefoil knot.
- The name of the symbol used to indicate radioactivity.
- A cross-sectional arrangement of electrical cables that minimises electrodynamic forces during fault conditions.
- A variation of the solitaire card game La Belle Lucie.
- The Adidas Trefoil is the logo of Adidas.
 Trefoil sign indicating radioactivity |
 Adidas Trefoil |