spire

¹spire

noun \ˈspī(-ə)r\

Definition of SPIRE

1

: a slender tapering blade or stalk (as of grass)

2

: the upper tapering part of something (as a tree or antler) : pinnacle

3

a : a tapering roof or analogous pyramidal construction surmounting a tower b : steeple <a church spire>

Illustration of SPIRE

Origin of SPIRE

Middle English, from Old English spīr; akin to Middle Dutch spier blade of grass

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Architecture Terms

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