Storey

/ˈstɔːri/ noun

Definition

A level or floor of a building, typically used in British English. Each storey represents a horizontal division of a structure between floors.

Etymology

From Middle English historie, from Anglo-French estorie, ultimately from Latin historia. Originally referred to rows of windows or painted scenes that decorated building levels, later extended to mean the levels themselves.

Kelly Says

The spelling 'storey' (British) versus 'story' (American) creates one of English's most confusing homophone pairs - you can tell a story about a storey! The architectural meaning actually came from medieval buildings where each floor featured painted historical scenes or 'stories.'

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