clerestory

Or clear·sto·ry

[kleer-stawr-ee, -stohr-ee]

noun

plural

clerestories 

1. Architecture.,  a portion of an interior rising above adjacent rooftops and having windows admitting daylight to the interior.

2. a raised construction, as on the roof of a railroad car, having windows or slits for admitting light or air.

clerestory

/ ˈklɪəˌstɔːrɪ /

noun

1. a row of windows in the upper part of the wall of a church that divides the nave from the aisle, set above the aisle roof

2. the part of the wall in which these windows are set Compare blindstorey

Other Word Forms

• clerestoried adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clerestory¹

1375–1425; late Middle English, equivalent to clere clear + story story ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of clerestory¹

C15: from _clear + _storey

Example Sentences

The classrooms are also bathed in daylight via skylights and clerestories, with sunbeams touching the playfully angled surfaces.

From Los Angeles Times

Flowing spaces open with double-height spaces, subtle level changes and large openings like skylights, clerestory windows, balconies, and even a spot where an entire section of roof pivots open thanks to a large piston.

From Los Angeles Times

The modern exterior gives way to Midcentury-inspired living spaces, which combine stone, glass and wood under skylights and clerestory windows.

From Los Angeles Times

They play in bands and walk in the woods and pray in a graceful holy room where clerestory windows beam sunlight down onto slate floors and a compass shows the direction of Mecca.

From Los Angeles Times

To make the small space feel bigger, the architects added vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows.

From Los Angeles Times