Fenestrae
/fəˈnɛs.treɪ/noun
Plural of fenestra, a window or opening in a structure.
Did you know?In Roman architecture, fenestrae were literal openings in walls, and the same ancient root also survives in scientific words like fenestration, where a “window” becomes a technical opening.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dhey-
“A proposed root meaning to suckle, nurse, or feed; the connection to Latin fenestra is uncertain and debated.”
Latin
Latin
fenestra
“A window, opening, or aperture.”
Late Latin
Latin
fenestrae
“Windows; openings.”
Old French
Old French
fenestre
“Window.”
Middle English
English
fenestre
“A window.”
Modern English
English
fenestra
“A small anatomical opening or window-like opening; fenestrae is its plural form in English and Latin usage.”
Explore more surprising origins