fenestration

noun

fen·​es·​tra·​tion ˌfe-nə-ˈstrā-shən 

1

: the arrangement, proportioning, and design of windows and doors in a building

2

: an opening in a surface (such as a wall or membrane)

3

: the operation of cutting an opening in the bony labyrinth between the inner ear and tympanum to replace natural fenestrae that are not functional

Examples of fenestration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Swiss cheese descriptor is derived from the fenestrations or window-like perforations in its foliage. — Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 27 May 2026

High humidity, bright indirect light, and warm temperatures are essential for healthy growth and proper leaf fenestration. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Jan. 2026

The revolving doors and complex fenestration made entering the museum crowded and confusing. — Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 5 Aug. 2024

Similar to the much-smaller Monstera adansonii, the 'Esqueleto' variety has super-sized leaves with huge fenestrations (or holes) in the leaves. — Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fenestration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Medical Definition

fenestration

noun

fen·​es·​tra·​tion ˌfen-ə-ˈstrā-shən 

1

a

: a natural or surgically created opening in a surface

b

: the presence of such openings

2

: a surgical procedure that involves cutting an opening in the bony labyrinth between the inner ear and tympanum to replace natural fenestrae that are not functional (as in otosclerosis)