newel

newel Definition

newel (no̵̅o̅′əl, nyo̵̅o̅′-)

noun

the central upright pillar around which the steps of a winding staircase turn
the post at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs, supporting the handrail
also newel post

Etymology: ME nowelle < OFr nuel, a nut, fruit pit < LL nucalis, like a nut < L nux (gen. nucis), nut

newel Usage Examples

Converse of object

carve: Abby supported herself against the carved newel of the stair and wept.
include: The kits are suitable for a typical return landing and include newels, newel bases and newel caps also supplied as halves.

Modifies a noun

staircase: The west tower contains an architectural gem, the newel staircase to the roof.
stair: North wall: halfway up the second stage is small slit window to light newel stair in northeast angle of tower.
post: The stairs were also uneven with the newel posts also being out of line.
turret: The newel turret rises above the tower, and is similarly finished.
cap: The kits are suitable for a typical return landing and include newels, newel bases and newel caps also supplied as halves.

Noun used with modifier

bracket: All bracket fix newel turnings and the exception of the half newel are packaged without universal fixing brackets.
oak: Turned solid oak staircase rising to the first floor, with oak newel post, banister & handrail.
fix: All bracket fix newel turnings and the exception of the half newel are packaged without universal fixing brackets.