Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Newel

//ˈnu.əl// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A central pillar around which a staircase spirals.
  2. 2
    A novelty; a new thing. obsolete

    "1882: Edmund Spenser (Alexander Balloch Grosart, ed) The Complete Works in Verse and Prose of Edmund Spenser He was so enamoured with the newel."

  3. 3
    the central pillar of a circular staircase wordnet
  4. 4
    A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.

    "We went along the hall to the end and up a flight of stairs with a carved handrail and newel post."

  5. 5
    the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs; it supports the handrail wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

Inherited from Middle English nowel, *newel, from Old French noel, from either Early Medieval Latin nōdellus (“buckle”, diminutive of nōdus "knot") or Late Latin nucālis (“nut-like”, derivative of nux "nut"). Doublet of noil and noyau.

Etymology 2

From new + -el, modelled after novel (“new, original”).

See also for "newel"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: newel