vault formed by the meeting at right angles of two tunnel vaults

A vault produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel (tunnel) vaults. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults may be pointed instead of round.

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is a vault produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults are pointed instead of round (See image of the Gårdslösa Church below). In comparison with a barrel vault, a groin vault provides good economies of material and labour.