baluster

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a short upright post that supports the handrail of a staircase, balcony, or terrace

   One carved baluster had broken away from the staircase.

Borrowed through French balustre from Italian balaustro, named for its resemblance to a wild pomegranate flower; the Italian word ultimately comes through Latin from Greek balaustion.

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