balustrade
What is the opposite of balustrade? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.
Noun — A railing along the edge of a staircase, balcony, terrace or bridge, supported by a row of short posts and acting as both a barrier and a decorative feature.
How to use balustrade
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stone balustrade
glass balustrade
balcony balustrade
carved balustrade
Neutral, common in architecture, property listings and interior design.
Etymology
From French balustrade, from Italian balaustro 'baluster', ultimately from Greek balaustion 'pomegranate flower', which the swelling shape of the posts resembles.
Full origin of balustrade →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a balustrade and a banister?
A banister is specifically the handrail of a staircase, and in loose use the whole stair railing. Balustrade is the broader architectural term for the complete railing assembly, on stairs or anywhere else, including balconies, terraces and bridges.
What is the difference between a baluster and a balustrade?
A baluster is a single vertical post, sometimes called a spindle. A balustrade is the finished structure: a row of balusters topped by a rail.
