English Explanatory Dictionary

newel

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Either of two kinds of supporting post in a staircase.
  2. A central pillar around which some types of spiral staircase are spiralled.
  3. A sturdy pillar at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail.
noun
  1. A novelty; a new thing.

Pronunciation

/ˈnjuː.əl/ /ˈnu.əl/ /ˈnju.əl/ en-us-newel.ogg

Word forms

newel newels

Etymology

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.

Synonyms

newel post spindle newie new one newun new'un

Derived words

neweled newelled
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