baluster
UK[ˈbæl.ə.stər]US[ˈbæl.ə.stər]
n
A short pillar or post that supports a rail, especially one of a series forming a balustrade.
Etymology
The word 'baluster' has a fascinating journey from botany to architecture. It originates from the Greek 'balaustion', referring to the flower of the wild pomegranate. The shape of this flower's double-curved calyx was thought by Renaissance architects to resemble the swelling form of the short, decorative pillar used in staircases and parapets. This visual analogy led to the Italian 'balaustro' being adopted to name the architectural feature, a meaning which passed through French into English. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of a supporting pillar is directly linked to the ancient, literal term for a specific flower's shape.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It entered English from the French 'balustre', which came from Italian 'balaustro', meaning 'wild pomegranate flower'. The Italian term likely derived from Latin 'balaustium', which itself came from Greek 'balaustion'. The functional role is that of a noun.
Examples
The stone baluster was intricately carved with floral motifs.
He leaned against the wooden baluster while looking down the staircase.
Several balusters were missing from the old balcony's railing.