pinnacle

¹pin·na·cle

noun \ˈpi-ni-kəl\

Definition of PINNACLE

1

: an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress

2

: a structure or formation suggesting a pinnacle; specifically : a lofty peak

3

: the highest point of development or achievement : acme

Examples of PINNACLE

1. <a singer who has reached the pinnacle of success>

Illustration of PINNACLE

Origin of PINNACLE

Middle English pinacle, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pinnaculum small wing, gable, from Latin pinna wing, battlement

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PINNACLE

Synonyms: acme, apex, apogee, capstone, climax, crescendo, crest, crown, culmination, head, high noon, high tide, high-water mark, meridian, ne plus ultra, noon, noontime, peak, height, sum, summit, tip-top, top, zenith

Antonyms: bottom, nadir, rock bottom

Related Words: bloom, blossom, flood tide, flower, glory, heyday, prime; cap, ceiling, roof; extreme, extremity, tip, vertex; high, highlight, highspot

Near Antonyms: abyss, base, foot; minimum

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See Synonym Discussion at summit

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

Rhymes with PINNACLE

binnacle, clinical, cynical, finical