ogive

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

ogive
    n 1: front consisting of the conical head of a missile or rocket
         that protects the payload from heat during its passage
         through the atmosphere [syn: {nose cone}, {ogive}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Ogive \O"give\, n. [F. ogive, OF. augive a pointed arch, LL.
   augiva a double arch of two at right angles.] (Arch.)
   The arch or rib which crosses a Gothic vault diagonally.
   [1913 Webster]

[email protected]