CLERSTORY Meaning and
Definition
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A clerestory refers to a architectural feature commonly found in large buildings, particularly churches, where a section of the structure's wall is pierced with a series of windows positioned high up near the roofline. Derived from the Middle English word "clerestori" or "clerestorie," which in turn originates from the Old French clerestorey ("clear storey"), the term has been in use since the 14th century to describe this specific architectural element.
The primary purpose of a clerestory is to admit light and air into the building's interior. These windows are typically narrow and effectively designed to allow ample amount of natural lighting to penetrate the space, while maintaining privacy and reducing the risk of direct sunlight. The height and positioning of the clerestory windows often result in an evenly distributed illumination, creating a harmonious and serene atmosphere within the building.
Furthermore, clerestories are known for adding an element of grandeur and verticality to architectural designs. They serve as a means to visually break up the façade of a large structure while also contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. Often adorned with intricate tracery, stained glass, or other decorative elements, clerestories act as a statement piece in many architectural styles, such as Gothic, Romanesque, or Renaissance.
In summary, a clerestory can be defined as a section of a building's wall containing a row of windows positioned high up near the roofline, allowing ample natural lighting and ventilation into the structure while adding aesthetic value to its design.
Common Misspellings for CLERSTORY
- xlerstory
- vlerstory
- flerstory
- dlerstory
- ckerstory
- cperstory
- coerstory
- clwrstory
- clsrstory
- cldrstory
- clrrstory
- cl4rstory
- cl3rstory
- cledstory
- clefstory
- cletstory
- cle5story
- cle4story
- cleratory
Etymology of CLERSTORY
The word "clerestory" (also spelled "clearstory" or "clearstorey") has its roots in Middle English and can be traced back to the Latin word "clerestorium". The Latin term is a combination of "clerus", meaning "clear" or "bright", and "story", which refers to a level or row of windows in a building. Initially, in medieval architecture, the clerestory referred to the upper part of a basilica or church that had windows above the aisles to allow natural light into the central nave. Over time, the term expanded to include any row of windows near the top of a building, regardless of its function. Thus, the etymology of "clerestory" is derived from Latin and signifies the clear or bright windows found in the upper level of a structure.
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