finial
an ornament at the top of a spire, gable, or post
In more detail
1. (noun) a decorative object or ornament at the top or end of something, such as the top of a roof, fence post, or piece of furniture
Examples
- The fence posts were topped with decorative wooden finials.
How to use finial
Finial is a formal, architectural or design term referring to a small decorative element that crowns or concludes a vertical structure. It is most commonly used in discussions of architecture, interior design, and craftsmanship. Unlike the general term ornament, finial specifies a top or terminal position and carries more specialized connotations.
Common phrases
- decorative finial
- roof finial
- fence post finial
- brass finial
- topped with a finial
Synonyms
ornament · decoration · embellishment · knob · cap
Word family
finials
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse finial with final; finial is a noun denoting a decorative object, while final relates to completion or conclusiveness.
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