abat-jour

[ ah-bah-zhoor; French a-ba-zhoor ]

/ ˌɑ bɑˈʒʊər; French a baˈʒur /

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a device, as a skylight or reflector, for diverting light into a building.

a sloping screen for cutting off the view between an interior or porch and a lower area in front of a building.

QUIZZES

Are you aware how often people swap around “their,” “there,” and “they’re”? Prove you have more than a fair grasp over these commonly confused words.

Question 1 of 7

Which one of these commonly confused words can act as an adverb or a pronoun?

1820–30; <French: literally, it throws down (abat) the daylight (jour). See abate, journey

Serious foodies can indulge in a high-end, three-course Chef Du Jour meal served inside an air-conditioned tent ($45 per person).
America’s Best Summer Food Festivals|Lonely Planet|July 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
What about workplace flexibility, the answer du jour to the wage gap?
Can the Gender Gap Be Solved?|Kay Hymowitz|April 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They have dutifully competed for federal grants and aligned their visions and strategies to the federal focus du jour.
How Cities Are Fixing America|Bruce Katz, Jennifer Bradley|June 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Reichert is comparing her book to that of high class call girl Belle Du Jour, according to MailOnline.
Prince Harry's Las Vegas 'Fumble' Writing Book|Tom Sykes|January 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Avant Garde became the font du jour and Helvetica continued its ride to the top.
Eight Best Bits of John Taylor’s Duran Duran Tell-All|Tom Sykes|October 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Celuy-cy avoit souvent esvad le danger d'estre noy, et tout fraischement le beau jour de la Pentecoste dernire.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Le jour suyvant, j'allay visiter les Sauvages, et y fis mon accoustum, ainsy qu j'ay dict de Kinibqui.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Et ce jusques au temps & terme de six ans finis & accomplis, cpter du jour que ledit livre sera achev d'imprimer.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
After a few days we became still better acquainted, and she would say, "Bon jour, madame!"
The Nursery, November 1881, Vol. XXX|Various
But before you attempt the human figure in the open air, you will find it very good study to work in the house contre jour.
The Painter in Oil|Daniel Burleigh Parkhurst