ceiling

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the overhead upper surface of a covered space

   They hated painting the ceiling.

2. 2
   noun

   an upper limit on what is allowed

   They put a ceiling on their proxy's bidding at the auction to avoid breaking the budget.

3. 3
   noun

   The overhead closure of a room.

   The dining room had an ornate ceiling.

4. 4
   noun

   The upper limit of an object or action.

   […] and only at Barnet did Tappin give Empire of India a burst to bring us up to the 60 m.p.h. speed ceiling of the London area.

5. 5
   noun

   The measurement of visible distance from ground or sea level to an overcast cloud cover; under a clear sky, the ceiling measurement is identified as "unlimited."

   Even though it was cloudy, there was still enough ceiling for the Blue Angels to perform a great show.

6. 6
   noun

   The smallest integer greater than or equal to a given number.

   The ceiling of 4.5 is 5; the ceiling of −4.5 is −4.

7. 7
   noun

   (meteorology) altitude of the lowest layer of clouds

8. 8
   noun

   maximum altitude at which a plane can fly (under specified conditions)

Etymology

From Middle English celing (“paneling; (bed) cover or hanging”), from celen (“to cover or panel walls”) (from Old French celer (“to conceal”)) + -ing (gerund-forming suffix). By surface analysis, ceil + -ing.