CRENELS Meaning and
Definition
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Crenels, also known as crenelles, refer to the series of alternating solid sections and open spaces along the top edge of a battlement or defensive wall. In architecture and fortification, crenels are rectangular openings or recesses made to create a defensive parapet or a specially designed wall structure. They are typically seen in medieval structures, such as castles and fortresses, and are a distinctive characteristic of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
The crenels are usually positioned on top of a solid wall, with each crenel providing a space for an individual defender to stand, observe the surroundings, and launch projectiles or weapons at attackers. The alternating crenels and merlons (the solid sections) create a pattern of regularly spaced openings in the fortification, ensuring strategic visibility and a degree of protection for the defenders.
The word "crenel" is derived from the Old French word "crenelure," which originates from the Late Latin term "crenella," meaning "small notch." This etymology reflects the nature of the openings or notches found in the crenels.
Today, crenels are primarily of historical and architectural interest rather than functional fortification elements. However, they continue to be used in contemporary architectural designs as decorative elements, drawing inspiration from the medieval era. Crenels add a touch of elegance, grandeur, and the illusion of medieval fortified structures to modern buildings, contributing to their aesthetic appeal and historical references.
Common Misspellings for CRENELS
- crenal
- crenele
- crenelle
- xrenels
- vrenels
- frenels
- drenels
- ceenels
- cdenels
- cfenels
- ctenels
- c5enels
- c4enels
- crwnels
- crsnels
- crdnels
- crrnels
- cr4nels
- cr3nels
- crebels
Etymology of CRENELS
The word "crenels" originated from the Old French term "crenelé", which means "crenulated" or "notched". It is derived from the Latin word "crenellum", which translates to "little notch". The term originally referred to the gaps or notches between the merlons (upright projections) on the battlements of a castle or fortification. Over time, "crenels" came to specifically denote the open spaces or indentations in a parapet or wall used for defensive purposes.
Similar spelling words for CRENELS
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