gambrel

thumb|Barn with a gambrel roof thumb|A cross-sectional diagram of a mansard roof, which is a hipped gambrel roof

A gambrel, or gambrel roof, is a usually symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep. This design provides the advantages of a sloped roof while maximizing headroom inside the building's upper level and shortening what would otherwise be a tall roof, as well as reducing the span of each set of rafters. The name comes from the Medieval Latin word , meaning 'horse's hock or leg'. The term gambrel is of American origin, the older, European English name being curb roof (kerb roof, kirb roof).