pinnacle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (architecture) a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower
  2. noun the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  3. noun a lofty peak

Etymology

From Middle English, borrowed from Old French pinacle, pinnacle, from Late Latin pinnāculum (“a peak, pinnacle”), from Latin pinna (“a pinnacle”); see pin. Doublet of panache.

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