newel Hear it!

newel definition

newel (no̵̅o̅′əl, nyo̵̅o̅′-)

noun

  1. the central upright pillar around which the steps of a winding staircase turn
  2. 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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