Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » clerestory
clerestory
(klir′stôr′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- The upper part of the nave, transepts, and choir of a church, containing windows.
- 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
.
(click for a larger image)
clerestory
High Gothic style cathedral nave wall
A. clerestory B. triforium C. arcadeLearn more about clerestory
