clerestory

(klirstôr′ē)

noun pl. clerestories

the upper part of a wall, specif. of a church, containing windows for lighting the central part of a lofty room or space

Origin: ME clerestorie < cler, clear + storie, story

See clerestory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also clear·sto·ry

noun pl. clere·sto·ries also clear·sto·ries
  1. The upper part of the nave, transepts, and choir of a church, containing windows.
  2. An upper portion of a wall containing windows for supplying natural light to a building.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English clerestorie

Origin: : perhaps cler, giving light, clear; see clear

Origin: + storie, tier; see story2

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clerestory

High Gothic style cathedral nave wall

A. clerestory B. triforium C. arcade

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clerestory

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