baluster

[ bal-uh-ster ]

noun

1. Architecture. any of a number of closely spaced supports for a railing.
2. balusters, a balustrade.
3. any of various symmetrical supports, as furniture legs or spindles, tending to swell toward the bottom or top.

baluster

/ ˈbæləstə /

noun

1. any of a set of posts supporting a rail or coping

adjective

1. (of a shape) swelling at the base and rising in a concave curve to a narrow stem or neck

   a baluster goblet stem

Other Words From

• balus·tered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of baluster¹

1595–1605; < French, Middle French balustre < Italian balaustro pillar shaped like the calyx of the pomegranate flower, ultimately < Latin balaustium < Greek balaústion pomegranate flower

Word History and Origins

Origin of baluster¹

C17: from French balustre , from Italian balaustro pillar resembling a pomegranate flower, ultimately from Greek balaustion

Example Sentences

This hall the same colour,” said I, “with the rails of the baluster in the cream white of the trim.

From Project Gutenberg

Fred was quite willing, for his curiosity was excited; so, seizing the baluster with both hands, he gave it a twist.

From Project Gutenberg

The young girl became yet whiter; a moment she clung to the baluster; then started to descend the stairs.

From Project Gutenberg

He grasped the baluster-rail, and stood wildly clinging, like a shipwrecked sailor to a mast.

From Project Gutenberg

She had partly descended the staircase and she stopped, leaning against the baluster and smiling up at him.

From Project Gutenberg