pinnacle etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: pinacle, from Old French pinacle, diminutive of pin "point".
  • Ultimately from Latin pinna "feather, fin, point".

Meaning:

  • A small tower, turret, or other architectural feature rising from a roof or wall.
  • The highest or culminating point of something, such as a peak or summit.
  • A state of excellence or achievement.

Origin:

The word "pinnacle" has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to pointed architectural features. The original Latin term pinna referred to the feathers of a bird or the fins of a fish, both of which are pointed. This sense of "point" is reflected in the architectural use of the term to refer to the pointed tops of towers and turrets.

Over time, the word "pinnacle" came to be used more figuratively to refer to the highest or most excellent point of something, such as a career or achievement. This sense of the word is derived from the association of pinnacles with high and prominent architectural features.

pinnacle relate terms

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