Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ʊndə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "roundel" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription: /raʊnd(ə)l/. The first syllable is pronounced as "r-ow" with a diphthong sound, followed by the "n-d" cluster in the second syllable. The final syllable is a schwa sound, which is why it's often spelled as "-el" instead of "-le." In English, a roundel is a circular object or design, particularly a circular window or a circular painting or sculpture.
A roundel is a commonly small circular architectural feature or ornamentation that can be found in various forms and contexts. It is often used to describe a circular window or a decorative medallion, typically positioned within a larger architectural structure, such as a wall or a ceiling. Roundels can be made of various materials including glass, stone, metal, or wood, and they are often adorned with intricate designs or motifs, serving both artistic and functional purposes.
The term "roundel" is not confined to architecture alone; it is also used in other fields such as heraldry, literature, and music. In heraldry, a roundel refers to a circular charge or an object, usually depicted as a colorful circle. In literature, a roundel is a specific form of poetry consisting of a fixed number of lines arranged in a specific rhyme scheme. Additionally, in music, a roundel can refer to a short musical composition or a song that has a repeating melody.
Overall, the term "roundel" encapsulates the essence of a circular shape or element that serves ornamental, functional, expressive, or symbolic purposes across various disciplines. Its versatility and prevalence in different fields make it a valuable and recognizable term in the world of art, architecture, literature, and music.
A song or dance in which the passages or parts are repeated.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "roundel" has its etymology rooted in the Old French word "rondel". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "rotundus", meaning "round" or "circular". The term originally referred to a small circular object or disc. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass various circular objects, such as a small circular window or a round-shaped jewel. In the context of heraldry, "roundel" came to denote a circular charge or emblem used in coats of arms. The word has been adapted into English with the same meaning.
