1. the roughly triangular spaces between the curve of an arch and the rectangular frame surrounding it
Usage: architecture
2. evolutionary features that arise as byproducts of other adaptive changes rather than being directly selected for
Usage: biology; evolutionary theory

Examples

• The cathedral’s spandrels were decorated with intricate stone carvings.
• Gothic architects often filled spandrels with ornamental designs.
• The bridge’s spandrels provided additional structural support.
• Gould and Lewontin argued that many traits are evolutionary spandrels.
• Human language capacity might be a spandrel of brain development.
• The researchers debated whether the behavior was adaptive or merely a spandrel.