newel

new·el

noun \ˈnü-əl, ˈnyü-\

Definition of NEWEL

1

: an upright post about which the steps of a circular staircase wind

2

: a post at the foot of a straight stairway or one at a landing

Illustration of NEWEL

Origin of NEWEL

Middle English nowell, from Anglo-French nuel, noel stone of a fruit, stone cut to form a newel, from Late Latin nucalis like a nut, from Latin nuc-, nux nut — more at nut

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with NEWEL

crewel, dual, duel, fuel, gruel, jewel