balustrade

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Quotations 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From French balustrade, from Italian balaustrata (“‘with balusters’”), from balaustro (“‘baluster’”), from balausta (“‘wild pomegranate flower’”), via Latin balaustium from Ancient Greek βαλαύστιον (balaustion). So named because of resemblance to the swelling form of the half-open pomegranate flower.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˌbæl.əˈstreɪd/
• (US) IPA: /ˈbæl.ə.streɪd/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -eɪd

[edit] Noun

balustrade (plural balustrades)

1. (architecture) A row of balusters topped by a rail, serving as an open parapet, as along the edge of a balcony, terrace, bridge, staircase, or the eaves of a building.

[edit] Quotations

• 1956 — Arthur C. Clarke, The City and the Stars, p 45

  The Jester sat down on one of the marble balustrades and regarded Alvin with a curious intentness.

[edit] Related terms

• baluster

[edit] Translations