arch (arch-shaped arrangement of trapezoidal stones, designed to redistribute downward force outward, or other similar architectural element); vault (arched roof or ceiling, or a masonry structure supporting and forming this); bridge (construction spanning a divide and allowing for the passage of traffic); crypt, sepulchre (underground vault, especially one beneath a church that is used as a burial place)
Synonyms: arco, puente, cripta
Possibly from Vulgar Latin *volvita, alteration of Latin volūta, from volvere (“turn”), but this presents serious phonetic difficulties. Compare Portuguese abóbada. More likely of Germanic origin, from a Gothic *𐌱𐌿𐍅𐌹𐌸𐌰 (*buwiþa), from a derivative of Proto-Germanic *būaną (“to dwell reside, build”). Doublet of voluta.