newel

pronunciation

How to pronounce newel in British English: UK ['njuːəl]word uk audio image

How to pronounce newel in American English: US ['njuəl] word us audio image

  • Noun:
    the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail
    the central pillar of a circular staircase

Word Origin

newel
newel: see noose
newel (n.)
mid-14c., "pillar from which steps of a winding staircase radiate," from Old French noel, novel "knob, newel, kernel, stone" (Modern French noyau), from Vulgar Latin *nodellus "little knot," diminutive of Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus "knot" (see net (n.)). Klein's sources suggest the French word may be from Gallo-Roman *nucale, from Latin nux "nut." The meaning "post at the top or bottom of a staircase" is from 1833.

Example

1. Local building codes may require newel posts in other locations .
2. Determine where the newel posts will be located and mark these locations .
3. Installation of newel posts newel posts are necessary every time that the handrail changes direction .

more: >How to Use "newel" with Example Sentences