crest
UK[krɛst]US[krɛst]
n
The top or highest part of something, such as a hill or a wave.
n
A distinctive design, especially a heraldic symbol representing a family or organization.
n
A tuft or growth of feathers, fur, or skin on an animal's head.
v
To reach the top of something such as a hill or wave.
Etymology
The word 'crest' entered Middle English from the Old French 'creste', which itself derived from the Latin 'crista', meaning 'tuft' or 'plume'. The Latin term is thought to originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to stand out' or 'to bristle', a concept that perfectly captures the image of a raised comb or tuft. This literal sense of a projecting growth on an animal's head evolved naturally to describe the top of a hill or wave, as these are the most prominent, projecting parts of a landscape. Finally, the term was applied in heraldry to the distinctive emblem placed at the top of a coat of arms, completing its journey from a physical tuft to a symbolic peak.
Analysis
The word 'crest' is a simplex word borrowed from Latin. It does not contain separable, meaningful morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The hikers finally reached the crest of the mountain and enjoyed the spectacular view.
The family crest featured a lion and a shield.
A wave crested just before it crashed onto the shore.