Crenelation: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
crenelation
[หkrษnษหleษชสษn ]
Definitions
architecture
A series of indentations or gaps in the top of a wall, used for decoration or defense.
Synonyms
battlement, embrasure, merlon.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crenelation |
Same as 'crenelation', referring to the notched pattern, often used interchangeably in American and British English.
|
| battlement |
Typically refers to the whole defensive parapet at the top of a castle wall, which includes both the merlons and crenels.
|
| merlon |
Specifically denotes the solid, upright sections of a battlement, which alternate with the open crenels.
|
| embrasure |
Refers to the small openings or indentations in the wall through which weapons could be fired while providing cover.
|
Examples of usage
- The castle had crenelations along the top of its walls.
- The soldiers used the crenelations to hide behind during the battle.
architecture
The action or process of adding crenelations to a wall.
Synonyms
battlementing, embattlement, fortification.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crenelation |
Similar to crenelation, it describes the notched battlements mostly used in military architecture.
|
| battlementing |
Refers to the process or act of adding battlements to a structure, generally used in historical or architectural discussions.
|
| fortification |
Describes the broader act of reinforcing a structure for defense, including walls, towers, and other protective elements.
|
| embattlement |
Refers to the state of being fortified with battlements, often describing a defensive, battle-ready appearance.
|
Examples of usage
- The crenelation of the castle walls was completed by skilled craftsmen.
- The crenelation of the fortress took several months to finish.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- Derived from the Old French term 'crenel,' which means notch or a small indentation.
- Related to the Latin word 'crena,' meaning notch or groove, indicating how the design protects.
- The practice and term became popular in medieval architecture, emphasizing defense.
History
- Crenelations became common in the Middle Ages, specifically in fortifications and castles.
- They were often paired with merlons (the solid parts between the notches) for better protection in battle.
- The famous castle of Windsor includes crenelated walls, illustrating the defensive architecture of the time.
Architecture
- Crenelations are not just functional; they add a distinct visual appeal to castle designs.
- Countless architectural styles across different cultures incorporate variations of this feature for aesthetic and defensive purposes.
- Modern reinterpretations can be seen in contemporary buildings, giving a nod to the storied past of architecture.
Pop Culture
- Crenelated towers appear in movies and video games, symbolizing medieval themes and kingdom defense.
- In 'Game of Thrones,' castles with crenelations serve as key settings for strategic battles.
- Many fantasy novels use castles with crenelations to evoke images of knights and heroic quests.
Art
- Artists throughout history have depicted crenelated walls to showcase strength and strategic design in their paintings.
- The distinctive profile created by crenelations has inspired various artistic expressions, from sculpture to graphic design.
- Architectural drawings often highlight crenelated designs to convey a sense of medieval grandeur.
Translations
Translations of the word "crenelation" in other languages:
๐ต๐น merlรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคเคเฅเคฐเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Zinnen
๐ฎ๐ฉ krenelasi
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตัะปะพะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ krenelaลผ
๐ฏ๐ต ็ญ้่ธๅฃ (hazama kyลhei)
๐ซ๐ท crรฉnelage
๐ช๐ธ almena
๐น๐ท mazgal
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ฒฝ (hyungbyeok)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุดุฑูุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ cimbuลรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ cimburie
๐จ๐ณ ๅๅฃ (duวkวu)
๐ธ๐ฎ merlon
๐ฎ๐ธ skotgluggar
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะฐะฑััาะฐ ัััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแแแแแชแแ (krenelatsia)
๐ฆ๐ฟ mazgal
๐ฒ๐ฝ almena