Clerestories

/ˈklɪrˌstɔːriz/ noun

Definition

Plural of clerestory; multiple high windows in walls, especially the upper portions of church walls that light the interior.

Etymology

English plural of clerestory, from Old English clere (clear, bright) + story (level or row). Medieval architecture preserved this term to describe the specifically-placed high windows that fill space with natural light.

Kelly Says

Walk into an old cathedral and look up at those impossibly high windows—that's 700-year-old lighting design, and it still works better than you'd think for an ancient building.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.