newel

[noo-uhl, nyoo-]

noun

1. newel post.

2. a central pillar or upright from which the steps of a winding stair radiate.

3. (on an escalator) the horizontal section of railing at the upper or lower end.

newel

/ ˈnjuːəl /

noun

1. the central pillar of a winding staircase, esp one that is made of stone

2. See newel post

Word History and Origins

Origin of newel¹

1325–75; earlier nuel, Middle English nowel < Middle French no ( u ) el kernel, newel < Late Latin *nucāle, noun use of neuter of nucālis of a nut, nutlike, equivalent to Latin nuc- (stem of nux ) nut + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of newel¹

C14: from Old French nouel knob, from Medieval Latin nōdellus, diminutive of nōdus _node

Example Sentences

Among the artefacts found in the house are two angels, carved from oak, which once stood as newel posts at the foot of the house's main stairway.

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However, the newel post and railing had been replaced during a previous renovation and had a different stain that had yellowed over time, resulting in a kind of Franken-staircase.

Read more on Seattle Times

Twin elephants carry newel post lamps on the staircase.

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One luxuriated on a fluffy bedspread by a picture window overlooking Manhattan; another perched on a banister newel post, master of his empty household.

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She paints portraits of people’s homes, focusing on one modest detail — a doorstop, a newel post or the fringed trim of a curtain.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• panel 
• pole