baluster
Americannoun
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Architecture. any of a number of closely spaced supports for a railing.
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balusters, a balustrade.
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any of various symmetrical supports, as furniture legs or spindles, tending to swell toward the bottom or top.
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of baluster
1595–1605; < French, Middle French balustre < Italian balaustro pillar shaped like the calyx of the pomegranate flower, ultimately < Latin balaustium < Greek balaústion pomegranate flower
Compare meaning
How does baluster compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
A baluster is a spindle or pillar in the railing of a stairway. Many balusters together make up a balustrade. The rungs in a staircase that you tap your fingers against as you descend are each called a baluster. Wooden balusters are made from wood that's carved with a lathe into a distinctive curved shape. The railing around a patio or terrace might be made of balusters, small decorative columns. Baluster comes from the Italian balaustro, "pillar," from balausta, "flower of the wild pomegranate," which has a stem with baluster-like double curves.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They are designed for a baluster style of railing with pickets and can’t be used with all railing types.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 25, 2021
One stair baluster is still broken; its loose base has scratched the floor, and its paint is chipped and old.
From New York Times ● Jul. 29, 2010
Leaning over the baluster, she called to him.
From The Dust Flower by Hibberd V. B. (Hibberd Van Buren) Kline
Sometimes the mid-wall shaft is a baluster, turned in a lathe.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 4 "Aram, Eugene" to "Arcueil" by Various
Along three sides ran a verandah gallery, raised a step or two above the pavement, with a baluster and railing between.
From The Free Lances A Romance of the Mexican Valley by Mayne Reid
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