balustrade

Meaning

Noun

• 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.

Related

Broader meaning words

• parapet

Origin

• Borrowed from French balustrade, from Italian balaustrata, from balaustro, from balausta, via Latin balaustium, from Ancient Greek βαλαύστιον, from Semitic, compare Classical Syriac ܒܠܳܨܳܐ). So named because of resemblance to the swelling form of the half-open pomegranate flower. Also see baluster.