Parapet

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpæɹ.É™.pɪt/

Origin

From Middle French parapet.

Full definition of parapet

Noun

1. A low retaining wall.
2. Part of a perimeter that extends above the roof.
• 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 26, Maccario, it was evident, did not care to take the risk of blundering upon a picket, and a man led them by twisting paths until at last the hacienda rose blackly before them. Appleby could see it dimly, a blur of shadowy buildings with the ridge of roof parapet alone cutting hard and sharp against the clearing sky.
3. A fortification consisting of a wall.

Hyponyms

• (low retaining wall) balustrade

Coordinate terms

• (low retaining wall) railing