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Glite Dictionary
clearstory

clearstory

9.6
A high part of a wall with windows above lower roofs to let light inside
  • noun
  • /ˈklɪrˌstɔri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ventana alta
  • In the cathedral, the clearstory added a sense of majesty, illuminating the nave with soft sunlight.

Examples

  • There's Pamela Jarvis, a.k.a. Jose, reality, clearstory, Amy Rosebush, etc., plus dozens more phoney names at the ready.

    Blog text (13)

  • The gallery featured a stunning clearstory, enhancing the art display with bright, indirect lighting from above.

  • (See anonymous 'clearstory's IDIOTIC remarks on Nov 14th above.)

    Blog text (13)

  • The architect designed the house with high clearstory windows to allow natural light to fill the living space.

Synonyms

clerestory
vsclearstory
  • Specialized
1 9.9

The upper part of a large wall with windows that let light into a building

is the same architectural feature but spelled as an alternate form

How Bright

atrium
21 6.1
clearstory
  • Specialized
9.6
skylight
35 3.4
transom
8 8.4

Surface Forms

clearstory singular
clearstories plural

Morphology

clearstory = clear + story (semi-transparent) = clear + story

The components 'clear' and 'story' are obvious, but the specialized architectural sense 'an upper band of windows' is a conventionalized meaning not immediately derivable by all learners.

Etymology

Clearstory comes from the old parts clear, meaning 'bright', and story, meaning 'floor' or 'level'. It named the high row of windows that made the inside bright, so today clearstory means the upper wall or windows that bring light into a building.